In the first of many “lasts” this season, Hawai’i held off visiting UC Davis, 75-69, Thursday night in the Big West Conference men’s basketball opener for both teams. The game also represented the last time the teams will play a BWC game in the islands, as both teams will be moving to the Mountain West in 2026-27.
A crowd of 2,574 in BankOh Arena the the Stan Sheriff Center watched Dre Bullock log 15 points, six rebounds, four steals, three steals and three assists and Hunter Erickson add 14 points, three boards and two assists as the Warriors improved to 7-2 overall. Conner Sevilla scored a game-high 17 points — all in the second half — and Nils Cooper added 14 points, five assists and two steals for the Aggies, who fell to 5-3.
UH jumped out to a 15-5 lead in the first five minutes but UC Davis quickly closed the gap and the Warriors led 33-28 at halftime. The Aggies eventually made it a one-possession game at 71-68 after Niko Rocak’s two free throws with 1:05 remaining, but Bullock and Aaron Hunkin-Claytor each made two free throws down the stretch to preserve the victory.
“Grateful for the win against a really good team to set the tone,” Warriors coach Eran Ganot said. “But this was one in 20 (conference games). I would have said that whatever happened today, we play Saturday (against visiting Cal State Fullerton). So we gotta enjoy it for a second, (and) get back to work against a Fullerton team that is off to a good start.”