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January 16, 2026
Mott Athletics Center
Pre-Game Analysis

Preview: Hawai'i at Cal Poly

Big West Showdown: Cal Poly Takes on Hawaii in High-Stakes Battle

The stage is set for a thrilling Big West matchup as Cal Poly takes on Hawaii at a neutral site. These two teams are expected to give it their all, and basketball fans can't wait to see what's in store.

For the Mustangs, Hamad Mousa is leading the charge with his impressive 22.1 points per game. But Mousa won't be facing an easy task against the Rainbow Warriors' stifling defense. Hawaii's Aaron Hunkin-Claytor will be putting pressure on Peter Bandelj to make a difference, and Hamad will need to find ways to break through.

Meanwhile, the Rainbow Warriors are looking to capitalize on their home court advantage. Isaac Johnson is having an exceptional season, scoring 12.8 points per game, while Aaron Hunkin-Claytor brings the ball up at a clip of 4.1 assists per contest. The duo has been instrumental in Hawaii's recent surge, and they'll need to keep the Mustangs' offense guessing.

The X-Factor: Rebounding Battle

One area that could make or break this matchup is rebounding. Cal Poly's Hamad Mousa and Peter Bandelj will be tasked with outmuscling Hawaii's big men for crucial boards. If the Mustangs can secure those rebounds, they'll have a significant advantage on the glass.

Form/Trends:

* Cal Poly has struggled to find consistency lately, going just 1-4 in their last five games.

* Hawaii has been playing well, with a 4-1 record in their last five contests.

Key Matchup Breakdown:

* Hamad Mousa vs. Aaron Hunkin-Claytor: The two guards will be matched up in a crucial matchup that could determine the game's outcome.

* Peter Bandelj vs. Isaac Johnson: The Mustangs' point guard and Hawaii's big man will need to find ways to outmaneuver each other on both ends of the court.

Anticipation Builds:

This one is shaping up to be an instant classic. With the Big West title on the line, Cal Poly and Hawaii are going all-in. Will Hamad Mousa's scoring prowess be enough to take down Aaron Hunkin-Claytor? Can Peter Bandelj find ways to exploit Isaac Johnson in the paint?

One thing is for sure: this game will be a high-energy affair with plenty of twists and turns. Stay tuned, folks – it's going to be a wild ride!

Generated by AI 379 words 1.9 min read
Tags: Cal Poly Hawai'i college basketball

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