FORT COLLINS, Colo. – UC Irvine is one of six programs set to participate in the 2025 Cancun Challenge at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

The Anteaters kick off action facing Utah Valley in Orem, UT on November 19 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

UC Irvine will then head to Mexico to battle New Mexico State Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. PT before taking on South Dakota State Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. PT.

Georgia State and Samford round out the six-team field but will not face UCI.  

The Anteaters are coming off a school record year, going 32-7 and advancing to the NIT title game. Utah Valley was 25-9 a year ago, while New Mexico State went 17-15 and South Dakota State was 20-12 overall. Utah Valley advanced to the WAC Tournament championship game and the first round of the NIT.

2025 Men's Cancun Challenge

U.S. GAMES
Wednesday, Nov. 19
UC Irvine at Utah Valley, 5:00 p.m. PT

Friday, Nov. 21
Georgia State at South Dakota State, time TBD
Samford at New Mexico State, 6:00 p.m. PT
 
MEXICO GAMES
Home team listed second
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Samford vs. Georgia State, 12 p.m. PT
Utah Valley vs. South Dakota State, 3 p.m. PT
New Mexico State vs. UC Irvine, 5:30 p.m. PT
 
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Georgia State vs. New Mexico State, 12:00 p.m. PT
Samford vs. Utah Valley, 3:00 p.m. PT
South Dakota State vs. UC Irvine, 5:30 p.m. PT   

 Cancun Challenge Central 

Powered by Triple Crown Sports, this is the 19th edition of the men's event, which also features two women's tournaments following the men's action. Players and fans enjoy easy walking distance from their rooms to the converted ballroom that hosts the competition.