Hawai'i Dominates UC Riverside in 88-45 Victory
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · SRC Arena
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 88, UC Riverside Highlanders 45, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs UC Riverside Highlanders?
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors beat UC Riverside Highlanders 88-45 at SRC Arena on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors vs UC Riverside Highlanders?
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -455 (about 82% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors triumphed over the UC Riverside Highlanders with a final score of 88-45. This game showcased the stark contrast in the recent performances of both teams, with Hawai'i continuing its impressive run while UC Riverside struggled to find its footing. The Rainbow Warriors entered the game with a strong away record of 11-2 and were riding a six-game winning streak, having averaged 80.6 points while allowing just 62.3 in their last ten outings. In contrast, UC Riverside's home record stood at 6-9, and they had lost their last two games, averaging 73.3 points scored against 81.8 allowed during the same period.
The game took place at SRC Arena, where the Highlanders have had mixed results this season. They were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, as evidenced by their recent form, which included a loss to UCLA and a defeat against St. Thomas. Their last five games had seen them win only two, with an average of 75.8 points scored and 88.6 points allowed, indicating significant defensive issues.
Hawai'i's recent success included victories over UTEP, Hawaiʻi Hilo, and Cal State Fullerton, among others. They had been particularly dominant at home, with a home record of 9-1, and their last five games saw them scoring an average of 80.0 points while allowing just 58.0. The Rainbow Warriors' ability to maintain a strong offensive output while stifling their opponents defensively was a key factor in their performance against UC Riverside.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, this game was the third meeting between the two teams in the 2025 season, with each team having won one game prior to this encounter. The Highlanders had previously lost to Hawai'i 76-83 on January 10, 2025, but managed to secure a win in their next meeting on February 28, 2025, with a score of 82-76. However, the Rainbow Warriors' current form suggested they would be a formidable opponent.
The betting market reflected Hawai'i's dominance, with DraftKings listing them as 8.5-point favorites, indicating strong confidence in their ability to cover the spread. The total points for the game were set at 149.5, highlighting expectations for a high-scoring affair, given both teams' recent scoring averages.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, with no significant weather or venue issues reported. However, the Highlanders faced challenges with their lineup, as they struggled to find consistency and depth, which was evident in their performance against Hawai'i. The Rainbow Warriors, on the other hand, appeared to be in good health, contributing to their recent success.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Hawai'i's offensive prowess was too much for UC Riverside to handle. Key plays included Marqui Worthy Jr. making a 5-foot jumper and Gytis Nemeiksa adding a layup with an assist from AJ Economou, pushing the score to 76-42 in favor of the Rainbow Warriors. The momentum continued to build as Hunter Carter hit a 24-foot three-point jumper, and Isaiah Kerr followed suit with a 30-foot three-pointer, showcasing the depth of Hawai'i’s scoring options.
The final quarter saw Hawai'i extend their lead further, with AJ Economou contributing a dunk and Ben Waller hitting a long-range three-pointer, ultimately sealing the game at 88-45. UC Riverside's inability to contain Hawai'i's offensive onslaught and their own defensive struggles were evident throughout the match.
This game serves as a reminder of the current disparity between the two programs, with Hawai'i demonstrating the potential to be a significant contender in the league, while UC Riverside faces challenges that need to be addressed moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HAW -8.5 | 149.5 o -108 / u -112 | Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors -455 · UC Riverside Highlanders +350 |
Leaders
- PointsMarqui Worthy Jr.14UC Riverside Highlanders
- AssistsBJ Kolly3UC Riverside Highlanders
- ReboundsBJ Kolly8UC Riverside Highlanders
- PointsIsaac Johnson18Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- AssistsAaron Hunkin-Claytor6Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
- ReboundsGytis Nemeiksa9Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Recent form
UC Riverside Highlanders
Last 10: 4-6Streak L273.3 scored · 81.8 allowed per game2-0 at home
- L65-97at UCLA BruinsDec 23
- L78-92at St. Thomas TommiesDec 21
- W95-70vs Stanton ElksDec 17
- L53-100at BYU CougarsDec 14
- W88-84at Cal Poly MustangsDec 7
- L60-73at UC Irvine AnteatersDec 5
- L69-77at Utah Tech TrailblazersNov 29
- W83-74vs Grambling TigersNov 24
- W85-71at San Diego TorerosNov 22
- L57-80at California Baptist LancersNov 19
Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
Last 10: 9-1Streak W680.6 scored · 62.3 allowed per game
- W66-61vs UTEP MinersDec 14
- W98-46vs Hawaiʻi Hilo VulcansDec 11
- W69-59vs Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 7
- W75-69vs UC Davis AggiesDec 5
- W92-55vs North Dakota Fighting HawksNov 29
- W88-76vs Hawaiʻi Pacific Sea WarriorsNov 25
- L76-83vs Arizona State Sun DevilsNov 21
- W68-62vs Utah Tech TrailblazersNov 16
- W86-56vs Manhattan JaspersNov 15
- W88-56vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsNov 13
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
| UC Irvine | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Hawai'i | 24-9 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UC San Diego | 23-11 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Northridge | 20-14 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Cal State Fullerton | 18-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| UC Davis | 19-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 18-14 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Cal Poly | 14-19 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Long Beach State | 10-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| UC Riverside | 10-22 | 10 | 5-15 |
| Cal State Bakersfield | 8-24 | 13 | 2-18 |
Box score
| Stat | Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors | UC Riverside Highlanders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-62 | 16-50 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 13-27 | 3-16 |
| Three-point % | 48 | 19 |
| Free throws | 7-14 | 10-15 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 18 |
| Assists | 21 | 4 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 26 |
| Fouls | 12 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 44 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half40-22Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half41-22Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half41-23Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half43-23Harry Rouhliadeff makes layup (Gytis Nemeiksa assists)
- 1st Half43-25BJ Kolly makes layup
- 1st Half43-27Andrew Henderson makes layup
- 1st Half44-27Aaron Hunkin-Claytor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half45-27Aaron Hunkin-Claytor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-27Hunter Erickson makes layup (Isaac Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-27Isaac Johnson makes 2-foot dunk (Aaron Hunkin-Claytor assists)
- 2nd Half49-29Tyler Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-31Andrew Henderson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-32BJ Kolly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-32Isaac Johnson makes layup (Aaron Hunkin-Claytor assists)
- 2nd Half51-33Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-34Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-34Hunter Erickson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Harry Rouhliadeff assists)
- 2nd Half57-34Isaac Finlinson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Aaron Hunkin-Claytor assists)
- 2nd Half60-34Isaac Finlinson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gytis Nemeiksa assists)
- 2nd Half60-35Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-35Gytis Nemeiksa makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half64-35Hunter Erickson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-35Isaac Johnson makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half67-35Gytis Nemeiksa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-35Isaiah Kerr makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-35Gytis Nemeiksa makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-36Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-36Isaac Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-38Jailen Daniel-Dalton makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-38Gytis Nemeiksa makes 2-foot dunk (Isaac Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half74-39Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-40Marqui Worthy Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-42Marqui Worthy Jr. makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-42Gytis Nemeiksa makes layup (AJ Economou assists)
- 2nd Half78-42AJ Economou makes layup (Hunter Carter assists)
- 2nd Half81-42Hunter Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half84-42Isaiah Kerr makes 30-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half86-42AJ Economou makes 1-foot dunk (Isaiah Kerr assists)
- 2nd Half86-45Ben Waller makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Jones assists)
- 2nd Half88-45Isaac Finlinson makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours UC Riverside Highlanders, below favours Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors.
Venue
- SRC ArenaRiverside, CA
- Attendance327
- OfficialsMichael Greenstein, A.J. Desai, John Hampton
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond