Location: Irvine, California
Game/time/TV: Dec. 6, 8 p.m., Pac-12 Networks
Game location: McKale Center
Series with UA: One-time appearance ($95,000 fee)
Last season: 28-10 (13-3 Big West), RPI: 65
Coach: Russell Turner (seventh year, 118-90)
Go-to guy: G Luke Nelson (13.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg)
Glue: G Jaron Martin (8.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg)
Key newcomers: G Justin Wertner (freshman), G Eyassu Worku (freshman), F Tommy Rutherford (freshman), F John Edgar Jr. (freshman), C Brad Greene (freshman)
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Upside: The Anteaters have become a perennially tough mid-major team under Turner, who has led them to four straight 20-win seasons, while Nelson has become one of the best players in school history. The All-Big West guard is among UCI’s top five in career three-pointers, assists and steals.
Downside: Losing a talented 7-foot-6 guy tends to change things, and the gigantic Mamadou Ndiaye opted to start a pro career instead of returning to Irvine as a senior. He was not drafted but played for Golden State’s summer league team. Worse, the Anteaters lost three other starters and key reserve Aaron Wright, a strong defender.
Digital version: ucirvinesports.com, @UCImbb
