The University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team is set to wrap up its extensive 11-game homestand and conclude the nonconference segment of the season with a much-anticipated matchup against the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) on Saturday, December 13. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. at Bankoh Arena, located within the Stan Sheriff Center.
The Rainbow Warriors enter this contest with an impressive record of 9-2 and are currently on a five-game winning streak. In their last 10 home games, the Warriors have excelled, securing victory in 9 of those matchups. This game against UTEP, holding a record of 3-5, marks a significant moment in a rivalry that has roots stretching back over 25 years within the Western Athletic Conference before both teams moved on to different conferences in 2005. This Saturday’s clash will only be the second nonconference meeting between the two programs, with plans for their rivalry to reignite as they both become members of the Mountain West Conference next season.
Excitement surrounding the game is heightened by promotional events. Raising Cane’s has signed on as the game sponsor, offering rally towels to the first 300 attendees and providing an opportunity for one fan to win a $50 prize pack. An autograph session featuring select members of the Rainbow Warrior football team will take place on the concourse before the game, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fans holding tickets to the basketball game can participate, with as many as 20 football players available for autographs. Additionally, during halftime, the entire football team, along with head coach Timmy Chang and his staff, will be recognized for their commendable season.
The event also serves as a charitable occasion named “Mele Kalikimaka Day,” encouraging fans to partake in a Toys for Tots Drive. Attendees are asked to bring new toys or stuffed animals to donate, and after the game, fans can join in the Third Annual Teddy Bear Toss, throwing their donations to the court for collection by the charity.
For younger fans, the Raising Cane’s Keiki Runout Tunnel experience offers a select number of children the chance to welcome the basketball team onto the court by creating a high-fives tunnel, along with the opportunity for a team photo.
In addition to these events, families can take advantage of the “4 Da ‘Ohana Pack,” priced at $79, which includes four upper level baseline seats and $50 in concession credits, available for online purchase two hours prior to the event.
Head coach Eran Ganot, in his 12th season overall with a record of 183-122, will lead the team as they aim to improve their all-time series record against UTEP, which currently sits at 35-18 in favor of the Miners, including a 15-13 advantage in Honolulu. Despite the historical disparity, Hawai’i is coming off a recent win against UTEP in the 2019 Diamond Head Classic.
Currently, the Rainbow Warriors are enjoying their best start to the season since the 2015-16 campaign and rank highly in several national statistical categories, including 13th in scoring defense and 10th in three-point field goal percentage defense. The Miners, meanwhile, are noted for being 19th nationally in turnovers forced per game.
After Saturday’s game, Hawai’i will take a break from action until returning to Big West play with road games against UC Riverside and UC San Diego, before their next home game on January 10 against UC Irvine.
