WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Championship Game
UC Irvine vs Norfolk State
Dec. 22, 2025 / Approx. 6:00 p.m. PT
Don Haskins Center / El Paso, TX

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This is UC Irvine's third appearance in the championship game. The Anteaters won the 2015 event with an 80-62 victory over Norfolk State.

UCI is 2-0 all-time against the Spartans.

The Anteaters improved to 8-5 with a 74-73 victory against North Dakota State in the Invitational's opening game.

Senior Kyle Evans put on a show in a win against North Dakota State, going 11-12 from the floor and 2-2 from the line for a career-high 24 points. The forward also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, swatted three blocks, dished three assists and had a steal in the victory. His 11 made field goals are the second most by a Big West player this season.

Guard Jurian Dixon followed Evans, totaling 16 points, three assists and a rebound.

The Anteaters shot 50.0 percent from the floor (29-58) for against the Bison, going 14-25 (56.0%) in the second half. It is the third time this season, UCI has shot 50.0 percent or better from the field.

Entering tonight's contest, the Anteaters are ranked fifth nationally in blocks (6.5), seventh in field goal percentage defense (37.1) and 20^th in defensive rebounds (29.31).

Evans is second in the country in total blocks (40) and fifth in blocks per game (3.08).

Norfolk State beat host UTEP 72-71 last night to go to 6-8 overall. Anthony McComb III led the Spartans with 21 points and five rebounds.

The Spartans won the MEAC Championship last season and was a 2025 NCAA Tournament participant, falling to even­tual national champion Florida 69-95 in the first round.