The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team begins the New Year rested and ready after an unusual 18-day hiatus due to the cancellation of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
The Warriors begin 2026 by resuming Big West Conference action at UC Riverside on New Year’s Day. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. HST, and the game will be available via livestream on ESPN+ and broadcast live on radio via ESPN Honolulu 1420AM.
UH is off to its best start in 10 years at 10-2 overall and 2-0 in league play. The Highlanders are 6-8, 1-1.
Warriors coach Eran Ganot said the unusual long December break was mostly positive, giving players a chance to heal from minor injuries and offering both players and coaches a rare chance to enjoy extended Christmas time in a more traditional way.
“This is one of the longer breaks we’ve ever had,” Ganot said. “(There was) the positivity of allowing these guys to go home and spend time with their families and loved ones, as we all should. But (also) being able to send (game) videos and the balance between the practice time and finishing up Finals … it was all-encompassing, being creative when they were with us, (and) when they were without us.”
UC Riverside opened Big West “Bold Week” with a 73-60 loss at UC Irvine on Dec. 4, followed by an 88-84 victory at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
BIG WEST CONFERENCE STANDINGS
HAWAI’I 2-0
UC Irvine 2-0
UC Santa Barbara 2-0
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 1-1
Cal State Northridge 1-1
UC Riverside 1-1
UC San Diego 1-1
UC Davis 0-1
Cal State Bakersfield 0-2
Cal State Fullerton 0-2
Long Beach State 0-2