LA JOLLA — UC San Diego's men's basketball team returns to LionTree Arena on Thursday night for one of the most anticipated home games of the season, hosting UC Davis (15-9, 8-5 Big West) in a key conference matchup — and celebrating "K-Pop Night" with themed entertainment and promotions.
The Tritons enter the game at 16-9 overall and 6-7 in Big West Conference play, navigating a rebuilding season under first-year head coach Clint Allard. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
New Era at UCSD
The 2025-26 season has been one of transition for the Tritons, who are coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign in which they went 30-5 overall and 18-2 in conference play. That team won the program's first-ever Big West regular season and tournament championships and earned UCSD's first NCAA Division I tournament appearance.
Following that breakthrough season, longtime head coach Eric Olen departed for New Mexico, and associate head coach Clint Allard was promoted to lead the program. The loss of key seniors from the championship roster has made this a developmental year, though the Tritons remain competitive in every game.
Previous Matchup
The Tritons won the first meeting between these two teams this season, defeating UC Davis 80-74 on the road in January. Hudson Mayes and Alex Chaikin each scored 19 points in that victory, providing the offensive punch needed to win on the road in a hostile environment.
UC Davis enters Thursday's game on a hot streak, having won three of their last four games. The Aggies rank second in the Big West in three-point shooting percentage and turnover margin, making them a dangerous opponent.
Home Stretch
Thursday's game begins a stretch of four home games in five February contests for UCSD, giving the Tritons a chance to build momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The Big West Tournament, where UCSD will defend its 2025 championship, looms in March.