Trending Now - Hawai'i Warriors Qualify for NCAA Tournament for First Time Since 2016

WHO:

Isaac Johnson, player for Hawai'i

Eran Ganot, head coach of Hawai'i

UC Irvine Anteaters, opposing team

Jurian Dixon, player for UC Irvine

Derin Saran, player for UC Irvine

Kyle Evans, player for UC Irvine

Andre Henry, player for UC Irvine

WHAT:

Hawai'i won the Big West Championship title with a score of 71-64.

This victory marked Hawai'i's first NCAA tournament berth since 2016.

Isaac Johnson scored 22 points in the championship game.

Harry Rouhliadeff scored 15 points and had a season-high 12 rebounds.

Dre Bullock scored 15 points and had seven rebounds.

Jurian Dixon scored 17 points for UC Irvine.

UC Irvine's players Derin Saran and Kyle Evans each scored 13 points, while Andre Henry scored 12 points.

Hawai'i's record improved to 24-8 with this victory.

Hawai'i had previously lost all three tournament matchups against UC Irvine in 2013, 2015, and 2018.

WHERE:

The game took place in Henderson, Nevada.

WHEN:

The championship game occurred on Saturday, March 14th, 2026.

WHY:

The victory allowed Hawai'i to secure their first Big West Championship title and NCAA tournament berth in seven years.

HOW:

Hawai'i led for most of the game and took the lead for good on Johnson's layup with about 10 minutes remaining.

UC Irvine narrowed the score to 66-64 with 38 seconds left, but Hawai'i responded with a layup and a breakaway dunk to secure the win.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 07:17 UTC)

Hawai'i has clinched the Big West Championship title, defeating UC Irvine 71 to 64 in a thrilling game held in Henderson, Nevada, on Saturday, March 14. Isaac Johnson led the way for Hawai'i with 22 points, while Harry Rouhliadeff and Dre Bullock contributed 15 points each, marking a significant victory that secures their first NCAA tournament berth since 2016. This win also improves Hawai'i's record to 24-8, breaking a streak of three previous tournament losses to UC Irvine.