UC Irvine vs Cal Poly: UC Irvine Basketball Faces Setback, Eyes Crucial Home Stand
A comprehensive look at the UC Irvine men's basketball team's recent performance, current standing in the Big West Conference, and upcoming schedule as they navigate a competitive season.
Irvine, CA: The UC Irvine men's basketball team, a consistent force in the Big West Conference, recently experienced a minor stumble in their campaign, falling to Cal Poly 79-73 on Thursday, February 12, 2026. This road loss marks a critical point in their season as they aim to maintain their strong position in the conference standings. The Anteaters, under the guidance of 16th-year head coach Russell Turner, now hold an overall record of 16-9 and a conference record of 9-4.
Recent Performance and Conference Landscape
The defeat to Cal Poly followed another challenging road game on February 7, where UC Irvine was bested by UC Santa Barbara Gauchos with a score of 84-79. This loss to the Gauchos notably ended a five-game winning streak for the Anteaters against their rival. Despite these recent setbacks, UC Irvine remains a formidable contender in the Big West. Prior to the Cal Poly game, they were tied for first place in the conference with Hawaii, both boasting a 9-3 record. Key players like Kyle Evans, who scored 17 points against UCSB and is recognized as the nation's third-best shot-blocker, and Andre Henry, who contributed 16 of his team-high 18 points in the final minutes of the UCSB contest, have been instrumental in the team's success this season.
Season Trajectory and Key Matchups
The 2025-26 season has seen the Anteaters navigate a demanding schedule, including participation in the 2025 Cancun Challenge. Their conference play began with a home game against UC Riverside on December 4, 2025, and included a significant four-game road stretch in January 2026, where they secured crucial victories against teams like UC Riverside and UC San Diego. The team's defensive prowess has been a hallmark, with their field-goal defense ranking third nationally at one point. Coach Turner has emphasized the importance of navigating the "ebbs and flows" of a long conference schedule, a sentiment particularly relevant after the recent road losses.
Looking Ahead: Crucial Home Stand
UC Irvine now turns its attention to a vital home stand, with their next game scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2026, against Cal State Fullerton at the Bren Events Center in Irvine. This matchup is part of a series of crucial games that will determine their final seeding for the Big West Tournament. The Anteaters will look to leverage their home-court advantage to regain momentum and solidify their standing at the top of the conference.
The remainder of the season presents opportunities for UC Irvine to demonstrate their resilience and championship aspirations. With a strong core of players and experienced coaching, the Anteaters are poised to make a significant push as the Big West Conference season heads towards its climax. Their performance in the upcoming home games will be critical in shaping their path to the postseason.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2026 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).