Rainbow Wahine Women's Basketball Hosts UC Irvine in Rematch

Hawai'i looks to extend four-game winning streak against Big West co-leader Anteaters

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The University of Hawai'i women's basketball team returns home to Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Thursday, January 29th to take on Big West Conference co-leader UC Irvine. The Rainbow Wahine enter the game riding a four-game winning streak, looking to avenge a 50-47 loss to the Anteaters earlier this month in Irvine, California.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the top teams in the Big West, with Hawai'i and UC Irvine combining to win the last four regular season conference titles. The Rainbow Wahine are looking to solidify their position in the standings, while the Anteaters aim to extend their lead atop the Big West.

The details

In the first meeting this season on January 10th, UC Irvine rallied from a late deficit to defeat Hawai'i 50-47 at the Bren Events Center. The Rainbow Wahine led at the end of each of the first three quarters before the Anteaters opened up a seven-point lead in the fourth period and held off Hawai'i's comeback attempt. The series between the two teams has featured defensive battles, with the last five meetings averaging just 48.1 points per game.

  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. HT.
  • Hawai'i and UC Irvine first met in the 1985 season, with the series now spanning 56 total games.

The players

Tamara Inoue

UC Irvine head coach, in her 10th season with the Anteaters and has a record of 178-119, leading the team to at least 21 wins in each of the last four seasons.

Hunter Hernandez

UC Irvine senior guard, the Big West leader in total points (385) and second in points per game (19.3).

Jada Wynn

UC Irvine junior guard, ranks second in the Big West in assists per game (4.0), sixth in rebounds per game (7.8), and eighth in points per game (15.5).

Laura Beeman

Hawai'i head coach, in her 14th season with the Rainbow Wahine.

Bailey Flavell

Hawai'i freshman guard, leading the team in scoring at 14.0 points per game and has scored 20+ points four times this season.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for a tough battle against a very good UC Irvine team. They beat us earlier this month and we're looking forward to the rematch at home in front of our fans.”

— Laura Beeman, Hawai'i Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of Thursday's game will take sole possession of first place in the Big West standings. The Rainbow Wahine will then host Long Beach State on Saturday for the annual "Beeman's Big Bash" event.

The takeaway

This matchup between Hawai'i and UC Irvine features two of the top women's basketball programs in the Big West Conference, with the winner positioning themselves for a potential regular season title. The defensive-minded battle is sure to provide an exciting atmosphere at Bankoh Arena.