Hawai’i vs UC Irvine Prediction 1/29/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Hawaii vs UC Irvine prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 29th at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Betting Preview

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are 15-4 (7-2) this year after they defeated CS Northridge by a score of 89-68 in their last game. Hawaii led 40-34 at halftime and they scored 49 points in the second half in the win. The Rainbow Warriors shot 47% from the field, 40% on three pointers, and 72% on free throws in the game. Isaac Johnson led Hawaii with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Gytis Nemeiksa added 16 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Hawaii defeated CS Bakersfield by a score of 98-71, but lost to UCSB by a score of 77-62 before that. The Rainbow Warriors have scored 80.4 points per game with 40.3 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 64.9 points against per game this season. Isaac Johnson is averaging 12.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, while Dre Bullock is averaging 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Rainbow Warriors. Hawaii is shooting 47.0% from the field, 73.0% on free throws, and 32.0% on three pointers this year. 

UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters are 14-7 (7-2) this season after they defeated UC San Diego by a score of 61-59 in their last game. UC Irvine was tied at 28 at halftime and they managed to escape with the very close win in the second half. The Anteaters shot 40% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 54% on free throws in the game. Jurian Dixon led UC Irvine with 12 points and three rebounds, while Andre Henry added 12 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, UC Irvine defeated UC Riverside by a score of 80-66, but lost to UC Davis by a score of 75-72 before that. The Anteaters have scored 77.0 points per game with 40.5 rebounds and 16.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.8 points against per game this season. Jurian Dixon is averaging 15.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while Derin Saran is averaging 11.9 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Anteaters. UC Irvine is shooting 46.3% from the field, 68.4% on free throws, and 33.5% on three pointers this season. 

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• Hawaii has lost each of its last six games at Bren Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC Irvine has won 22 of its last 24 games against the Big West Conference at Bren Events Center.
• Hawaii has lost the first half in each of its last six games at Bren Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will win

• Hawaii has won each of its last seven night games following a home win.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Hawaii’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 139+ points.
• Four of the last five games between Hawaii and UC Irvine have produced a total of 133 or fewer points.

Hawaii vs UC Irvine Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with a 7-2 conference record, so this is a huge game for each side. Hawaii is shooting 47% from the field and they did lose their last road game against UCSB. UC Irvine is shooting 46% from the field, but they lost 67-66 at Hawaii a few weeks ago. I think this is a game that could go either way, so I will take UC Irvine at home.

David Racey's Pick: UC Irvine ML