There’s no time for tears built into the rugged January/February Big West Conference men’s basketball schedule.
Less than 48 hours after a befuddling 74-63 home loss to UC San Diego on Thursday night, Hawai’i will need to regroup quickly and play host to a dangerous Cal State Fullerton team that has had its own rough going.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. The game will be be televised live on statewide TV via Spectrum Sports Cannel 12 and broadcast live via radio on ESPN Honolulu 1420AM.
The Warriors come in at 12-9 overall and on a three-game losing streak — their longest of the season — and 4-6 in league play, tied for seventh place.
Cal State Fullerton is 6-16 overall and 1-9 in the Big West, using a bye on Thursday to try to escape sole possession of the conference cellar on Saturday.
“You either whine and complain it, or you win the turnaround in a shorter time,” UH coach Eran Ganot said. “Fullerton is starting to find momentum after a close loss (83-75 to UC Santa Barbara), and we had a tight game with them at their place (on Jan. 11).”
Zion Richardson led the Titans with 16 points and 10 rebounds last Saturday.
The Warriors did defeat Cal State Fullerton, 95-86, on the road on Jan. 11, but only after converting 36 of 38 free throw attempts, including an incredible 26 of 37 in the second half.