Hawai’i Claims Big West Title, Returns to NCAA Tournament

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors secured their first Big West Championship title since 2016 with a 71-64 victory over the UC Irvine Anteaters on Saturday night. The win too earns Hawai’i an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, marking coach Eran Ganot’s first tournament appearance with the program.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Isaac Johnson led the Rainbow Warriors with a game-high 22 points. Hawai’i (24-8) maintained the lead for the majority of the game, solidifying it with Johnson’s layup midway through the second half. Despite a late push from UC Irvine, who narrowed the gap to 66-64 with 38 seconds remaining, Hawai’i responded with key plays from Harry Rouhliadeff and Dre Bullock to seal the win.

Key Performances

Rouhliadeff contributed 15 points and a season-best 12 rebounds, following a strong performance in the semifinal against Cal State Fullerton where he recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds. Bullock added 15 points and seven rebounds for Hawai’i.

For UC Irvine (23-11), Jurian Dixon led the scoring with 17 points, while Derin Saran and Kyle Evans each added 13 points, and Andre Henry contributed 12.

Overcoming Tournament History

Hawai’i entered the championship game with a 0-3 record against UC Irvine in Big West Tournament matchups, having previously lost in 2013, 2018, and 2015. This victory breaks that losing streak and propels the Rainbow Warriors into the national tournament.

Source: ESPN, Yahoo Sports