HONOLULU
— The University of Hawai'i men's basketball team rings in the New Year with a pair of Big West home games, beginning with a showdown versus UC Santa Barbara on Thursday, Jan. 2. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.
The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a third-place finish in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. The 'Bows have won 14 of their last 16 home games, including six straight Big West home wins to close out last year. UCSB has defeated UH five straight times and have won four of their last five in Honolulu. Following its game vs. UCSB, the 'Bows will host Cal Poly on Saturday, Jan. 4 to cap a six-game homestand.
HEAD COACH ERAN GANOTOverall record: 167-108 (11th season)
At Hawai'i: 164-106 (10th season)
ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDUCSB leads, 20-11
In Honolulu: UCSB leads, 9-8
Streak: UH, 5
GAME STORY LINES
- This will be the fifth of six straight home games for the Rainbow Warriors who are 3-1 during the stretch.
- UH has lost five straight times versus the Gauchos, having been swept in each of the last two regular-season series.
- Both teams will be seeking their first conference win. UH lost at Long Beach State on Dec. 7 while the Gauchos dropped games vs. UC San Diego (Dec. 5) and at UC Davis (Dec. 7).
- After leading at half just once in its first nine games, UH has led twice in the last three games. UH is 4-0 when leading or tied at the break.
- UH ranks 23rd nationally in rebound margin, at +8.3. UCSB leads the Big West and ranks 28th nationally in effective FG% (.571).
- UCSB freshman guard Zion Sensley is the son of former UH great Julian Sensley (2003-06), the only player in school history to rank in the career Top 10 in points, rebounds and assists.
- In the six games leading into the Diamond Head Classic, UH had five different starting lineups. The 'Bows had the same starting five for all three DHC games
- Gytis Nemeikša is averaging a team-best 14.7 ppg and has scored 20+ in two of the last three games.
#HawaiiMBB
