Big West Tournament Final: Hawaii and UC Irvine Clash for NCAA Berth
The Big West Conference tournament culminates Saturday night as the UC Irvine Anteaters and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors battle for the automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Both teams enter the championship game with 23 wins, setting the stage for a compelling showdown in Henderson, Nevada.
Recent Head-to-Head Battles
The season series between these two teams has been tightly contested. Hawaii secured a 67-66 victory on their home court on January 10th. UC Irvine responded with an 87-76 overtime win in Irvine on January 29th, demonstrating the evenly matched nature of these programs.
Anteaters Riding a Winning Streak
UC Irvine advanced to the final after a dominant 93-78 victory over CSUN. Derin Saran led the Anteaters with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals. Jurian Dixon contributed 18 points and 7 assists, while Kyle Evans added 15 points. This win marks UC Irvine’s fifth consecutive victory, showcasing their strong form heading into the championship game. The Anteaters are seeking their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2019.
Rainbow Warriors Surge to the Final
Hawaii earned their spot in the final with a 78-63 win against Cal State Fullerton. Isaac Johnson paced the Rainbow Warriors with 19 points, supported by Harry Rouhliadeff’s 16 points and 10 rebounds. Dre Bullock and Hunter Erickson also chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Hawaii is aiming to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016.
Key Players to Watch
Jurian Dixon is the leading scorer for UC Irvine, averaging 16.0 points per game. Kyle Evans is a force on both ends of the court, averaging 12.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. For Hawaii, Isaac Johnson leads the scoring with 13.8 points, while Dre Bullock adds 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Live Stream: Fubo (endeavor for free)
FAQ
Q: Where is the Big West Tournament final being played?
A: The championship game is being held in Henderson, Nevada.
Q: What time does the game start?
A: The game is scheduled to start at 10:00 PM ET.
Q: What is at stake in this game?
A: The winner of the Big West Tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Q: How can I watch the game live?
A: The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can be streamed live on Fubo.
Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
