UC Irvine's men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2025-2026 season, with a challenging non-conference schedule that promises to test their mettle. The Anteaters will face off against some of the nation's top teams, showcasing their skills and determination. Here's a breakdown of their upcoming games:
Home Games and Exhibition Matches
UC Irvine will host six home games, providing a familiar and supportive environment for the players. The season kicks off with two exhibition matches that are open to the public, offering fans a chance to see their favorite players in action. On October 12th, the Anteaters will welcome Arizona State to the Bren Events Center, followed by a trip to UCLA's Pauley Pavilion on October 28th.
Regular Season Start
The team will then host four consecutive regular-season games, starting with Bethesda on November 3rd, followed by California Baptist (a soon-to-be Big West member) on November 7th, Lincoln University on November 10th, and Weber State on November 15th. These games will be crucial for the team's early-season momentum.
Mid-Season Challenges
After the homestand, UCI will travel to Utah Valley University on November 19th for the first leg of the Cancun Challenge. They will then return home to face Northern Iowa on November 22nd before heading to Cancun, Mexico, for the final two games of the tournament. This international tournament will provide a unique test for the team.
Conference Play and Holiday Tournaments
The team will then shift their focus to conference play, starting with Bold Week (December 4th-6th) when they will play their first two Big West games. They will face UC Riverside and CSUN, providing an opportunity to solidify their position in the conference.
Belmont will visit the Bren Center on December 19th, and the Anteaters will look to avenge their loss from the previous year. The non-conference slate will conclude with the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Basketball Invitational in El Paso, Texas, a historic holiday tournament.
Tournament Highlights
UC Irvine will face North Dakota State on December 21st, a team that won the event in 2017. The Anteaters will then take on either Norfolk State or UTEP on December 22nd. The tournament field is strong, with UTEP holding a remarkable 34 tournament titles since 1961.
Recent Success and Future Prospects
Coming off a school-record season, UC Irvine finished with a 32-7 overall record and advanced to the NIT championship. With a talented returning lineup, including top player Jurian Dixon, the team is poised for another successful season. Coach Russell Turner's aggressive scheduling approach will undoubtedly provide valuable experience and challenges for the Anteaters.
