By: Kennedy Choo

Fresh off claiming the Rainbow Classic crown and riding the momentum of a non-conference run where they pushed two Power Four teams to the brink, the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors are geared up for their final Big West march. And it all starts with a statement opportunity against a familiar challenger: the UC Davis Aggies.

Coming off a 37-point dismantling of North Dakota, the Rainbow Warriors are looking to carry that dominance straight into conference play.

“The start of Big West play is always huge,” senior forward Harry Rouhliadeff said. “Teams know how to scout you, they know what the plays are. It’s almost like playing against yourself.”

Though conference action is starting a bit earlier than usual, Rouhliadeff and Hawaiʻi are welcoming the challenge.

“We are taking our prep very seriously, looking forward to Thursday,” Rouhliadeff said.

Even with the early conference opener, Head Coach Eran Ganot’s approach hasn’t changed.

“Our prep’s the same,” Ganot said. “You’re not just opening league play in December—you’re opening the league with a really good team that’s off to another great start.”

The Aggies, guided by Head Coach Jim Les, enter the Stan Sheriff Center with a 5–2 record and an impressive non-conference showing, highlighted by a 75–71 upset of Nevada in Reno. Junior guard Nils Cooper leads UC Davis with 17.1 points per game, including a career-high 26 in the win over the Wolfpack.

“They have a lot of returners in an era where there are not a lot of returners coming into this year,” Ganot said. “But that’s what you live for. You want to play battles, you want to play wars.”

From a player’s perspective, Rouhliadeff is eager for the test the Aggies present.

“Davis is a very coached and structured team,” Rouhliadeff said. “We’ve got to come out like we did against North Dakota and sort of have the first five minutes of good basketball.”

In those opening minutes against North Dakota, the ʻBows were nearly flawless, matching every early basket before taking full control. Hawaiʻi went on to win the game 92–55.

With both teams entering Thursday on the heels of strong non-conference showings, the Big West opener sets the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested league race. For Hawai‘i, early energy and execution will be key against a disciplined UC Davis squad. If the ‘Bows can bottle the momentum from their North Dakota rout, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to start conference play on the right foot.

“They’ve got some good players, so we’re definitely gonna bring our best game on Thursday,” Rouhliadeff said.

Listen live tonight Dec. 4th on ESPN Honolulu 92.7 FM / 1420 AM at 7pm.