Big West Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview, predictions

Mar 14, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; UC Irvine Anteaters guard Robert Cartwright (3) drives to the basket between UC Riverside Highlanders center Menno Dijkstra (right) and UC Riverside Highlanders guard Dragan Elkaz (0) during the second half in the Big West conference tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big West Basketball Hawaii Warriors Samuta Avea Long Beach State 49ers Drew Cobb Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Semifinals

#1 UC Santa Barbara versus #4 UC Davis

With one of the best offenses and defenses in the conference, UC Davis should be no match for UC Santa Barbara. UC Santa Barbara swept the season series with two wins. On January 30th, the second half of a back-to-back, UC Davis took UC Santa Barbara to overtime with UC Santa Barbara earning a three-point win. The game prior was a different story with UC Santa Barabara winning by 21. This game will be more closely resemble the first game of the season series than the second game.

PREDICTION: UC SANTA BARBARA 76, UC DAVIS 70

#2 UC Irvine versus #6 Hawaii

UC Irvine has one goal in mind; returning to the top of the Big West Conference after losing out on the regular-season championship. Hawaii, an average team for all intents and purposes, will surprisingly stick around in this game. However, the firepower and experience of UC Irvine will be too much for the Rainbow Warriors.

PREDICTION: UC IRVINE 79, HAWAII 70

Big West Conference Championship

#1 UC Santa Barbara versus #2 UC Irvine

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UC Irvine is ready for revenge and ready to reclaim their spot at the top of the Big West Conference after losing out on the regular-season championship by one game. UC Irvine, in the middle of a dominant conference stretch, will return to March Madness behind a solid offense and defense.

PREDICTION: UC IRVINE 74, SANTA BARBARA 73