Game Notes

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team kicks off its fourth Big West Conference season this week, hosting Cal Poly on Wednesday, Jan. 6 and UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Jan. 9. Tip off times for both games are set for 7:00 p.m.
 
The 'Bows (11-2) are off to their best start since 2002 and open league play against Cal Poly for the third straight season and second straight at home. The matchup features the league's top scoring teams with Hawai'i averaging 81 points per game and Cal Poly 75.5 ppg. Last season, the Mustangs (6-7) upset UH in a low scoring 61-57 overtime affair. The 'Bows are 3-6 all-time against Cal Poly.
 
The Rainbow Warriors haven't faired much better against UC Santa Barbara, trailing in their all-time series 8-6. UH is on a four-game losing streak to the Gauchos after winning both their games in 2013, UH's first season in the Big West.
 
Aaron Valdes comes in averaging a team-best 15.5 points per game. He took his game to new heights last weekend vs. Howard, posting just the third triple-double in UH history with 16 points, 15 rebounds and a career-high 11 assists. Not to be outdone, Roderick Bobbitt dropped 31 points, his third 30-point effort in the last four games which includes a career-high 32 against now-No.1 Oklahoma (USA Today).
 
Hawai'i is 1-2 in Big West openers and will look to start off 2-0 in league play for the first time since 2013. The 'Bows were picked to finish third in the preseason media poll.

Games 14 &15
Who: Hawai'i (11-2, 0-0 Big West) vs. Cal Poly (6-7, 0-0 Big West), UC Santa Barbara (6-7, 0-0 Big West)
What: University of Hawai'i Men's Basketball
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 6 (Cal Poly); Saturday, Jan. 9 (UCSB)
Time: 7:00 p.m. for both games
Where: Stan Sheriff Center (10,300), Honolulu, O'ahu
Television: Both games will be televised live statewide on OCSports - Digital Ch. 1016 (HD) and Ch. 16 (SD)
Streaming Video: Live video streaming available at www.bigwest.tv
Radio: Live on ESPN 1420 AM. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona, KTOH on Kaua'i, and KNWJ in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Bobby Curran (play-by-play) and Jeff Portnoy (color) will be on the call.
Audio Webcast: Live audio streaming on www.espn1420am.com
Live Stats: Available at www.hawaiiathletics.com
Promotions: Hawaii Pacific Health is the game sponsor on Wednesday and will distribute 1,000 gym towels. The California Hotel & Casino is the sponsor on Saturday and will award a Vacations Hawaii trip to Las Vegas at halftime. UH Kids' Club members are invited onto the court for pre-game festivities on Saturday. Also, there will be an autograph session with the Rainbow Warrior basketball team following Saturday's game. UH Alumni Association paid members receive 50% off adult tickets to both contests.