Look, it’s been a wild ride for UC Irvine basketball in the 2026 Big West Tournament, but here’s the thing: the Anteaters aren’t just in the championship game — they’re battling their nemesis, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors . After an impressive semifinal win over Cal State Fullerton, the Rainbow Warriors earned a spot in the Big West Championship and a fierce rivalry rematch. Tonight, the second-seeded Rainbow Warriors and top-seeded Anteaters meet for the Big West crown and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. And then — get this — the Anteaters are undefeated against Hawaii at the Big West Championship, including a 67-58 win in 2015 to capture their first Big West title. .
UC Irvine Battles for the Big West Crown
UC Irvine basketball fans are well aware of the Anteaters' dominant history in this tournament. The Anteaters have a 3-0 all-time record against Hawaii at the Big West Championship, which includes the 67-58 win in 2015 and a 92-64 victory over Cal State Fullerton in 2019 . This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for supremacy. The Anteaters have won the championship twice, with their last triumph coming in 2019. With a 93-78 victory over Cal State Northridge in Friday's first semifinal, the Anteaters proved they're ready to defend their title .
Hawaii Basketball: A Seminfinal Showdown
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have had a stellar tournament so far. Isaac Johnson scored 19 points and Harry Rouhliadeff added a double-double to propel Hawaii to a 78-63 victory over Cal State Fullerton in the semifinals . This victory set up a tense showdown with UC Irvine in the championship. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hawaii time, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament .
The Rivalry: UC Irvine vs. Hawaii
UC Irvine basketball fans are not just rivals with Hawaii for the Big West Championship. This rivalry dates back to 2015, when the Anteaters clinched their first Big West title with a 67-58 victory over the Rainbow Warriors . Sound familiar? This isn’t just a game; this is a battle of wits and skills on the court. The Anteaters have proven their mettle, advancing to the championship game for the second consecutive year and the third time in the last six years. They secured a 93-78 victory over fourth-seeded Cal State Northridge in the semifinals .
“The rivalry between UC Irvine and Hawaii is one of the most exciting in college basketball. Both teams have a rich history and a fierce determination to win. Tonight, we’ll see who comes out on top in this thrilling showdown,” – Anonymous Sports Analyst.
The winner of the 2026 Credit Union 1 Big West Men's Basketball Championship earns the league's automatic berth into the 2026 NCAA Division I Championship . In 2025, No. 1 seed UC San Diego defeated No. 2 seed UC Irvine in the title game, 75-61, to win its a championship in its first year of postseason eligibility. The championship game will be a nail-biter, and every Anteater fan knows it’s a night to remember. This is, after all, a battle for the Big West crown and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. So, who will come out on top: the Anteaters or the Rainbow Warriors? .
It’s like the Big West Tournament is the Anteaters’ home court.
