UC Irvine women's basketball has been selected to compete in the 2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) and will face San Diego State in the first round on March 19 at 6 p.m. The Anteaters finished their season with a 26-6 record, earning their second Big West regular-season title in four years. This marks UCI's first participation in the WBIT, following a historic season capped by record-setting wins. Senior Hunter Hernandez, the Big West Player of the Year, leads the team as the all-time single-season scoring leader.

By the Numbers
  • UCI's overall record: 26 wins, 6 losses
  • UCI's Big West record: 17 wins, 3 losses
  • Hernandez' total points: 636, averaging 19.9 ppg
Yes, But

Despite their impressive season, UCI faces a tough challenge against SDSU, who has a stronger overall record and recently claimed the Mountain West Conference title. With SDSU's post-season experience and a winning record against UCI, this match-up will be critical for the Anteaters.

State of Play
  • UCI has won their last three games, showcasing strong performance, especially from Hernandez.
  • SDSU holds a 21-9 all-time series lead against UCI and is coming off a successful regular season.
What's Next

As UCI heads into the WBIT, they aim to leverage their momentum and breakthrough performance to secure a win against SDSU. The outcome of this game could set the tone for future growth and opportunities in the post-season.

Bottom Line

UC Irvine's historic season and record-setting performance have positioned them as a formidable contender, but they must overcome SDSU's established strength to succeed in the tournament. This game is pivotal not only for postseason advancement but also for enhancing the Anteaters' program reputation.