HILO — University of Hawaii at Hilo Athletics announces the 2025 Southwest Airlines Big Island Invitational, bringing top Division-II men’s basketball teams to the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Nov. 22-23.
This year’s field features host Hawaii Hilo along with NCAA National Championship runner-up Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal Poly Pomona and Colorado Colorado Springs.
“We’re thrilled to bring high-level Division-II men’s basketball here to the Big Island,” sixth-year Vulcans head coach Kaniela Aiona said. “This is a great opportunity to compete against tough, well-coached teams not only for ourselves, but also for our fans to be able to watch right here in Hilo.”
Southwest Airlines is pleased to offer Big Island Invitational attendees discounted fares. To utilize discount, book via SWABIZ at HiloAthletics.com/SW. Discount valid for travel Nov. 16-26.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Southwest Airlines for helping make this event possible,” Hawaii Hilo director of athletics Patrick Guillen said. “Their partnership allows us to welcome these programs to experience the beauty of this special place we call home. Hilo has a rich basketball history going back to the days of the late legendary Coach Jimmy Yagi, and we’re proud to be able to host more exciting competition for our community to see.”
Game tickets will be available for purchase at HiloAthletics.com/tickets. Each contest will be available to be viewed online on the PacWest Network, powered by Hudl TV via PPV.
Hawaii
Hilo Vulcans
• Hilo
• Pacific West Conference
• Head Coach: Kaniela Aiona (Sixth Season)
• 2024-25 Record: 19-13 Overall (11-9 PacWest)
• 2024-25 Finish: PacWest Tournament Semifinals
Cal State
Dominguez
Hills Toros
• Carson, Calif.
• California Collegiate Athletic Association
• Head Coach: Steve Becker (12th Season)
• 2024-25 Record: 30-6 Overall (20-2 CCAA)
• 2024-25 Finish: CCAA Champions, NCAA West Regional Champions, NCAA National Championship Runner-Up
Cal Poly
Pomona Broncos
• Pomona, Calif.
• California Collegiate Athletic Association
• Head Coach: Greg Kamansky (26th Season)
• 2024-25 Record: 18-11 Overall (13-9 CCAA)
• 2024-25 Finish: CCAA Tournament Quarterfinals
Colorado Colorado
Springs (UCCS) Mountain Lions
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
• Head Coach: Jeff Culver (14th Season)
• 2024-25 Record: 17-12 Overall (11-9 RMAC)
• 2024-25 Finish: RMAC Tournament Quarterfinals
Event schedule
Saturday, Nov. 22
• 2 p.m. Cal State Dominguez Hills vs Hawaii Hilo
• 4 p.m. Cal Poly Pomona vs UCCS
Sunday, Nov. 23
• Noon Cal State Dominguez Hills vs UCCS
• 2 p.m. Cal Poly Pomona vs Hawaii Hilo
Freeman named Defender of Week
Hawaii Hilo women’s volleyball sophomore Isabella Freeman was amed Pacific West Conference Defender of the Week for Sept. 22-28.
The middle blocker posted 10 total blocks (three solo) in the Vulcans’ two victories this past week — both four-set road wins over Biola (Sept. 26) and Concordia (Sept. 27). Freeman was also stellar on the offensive end putting down 19 total kills with just one hitting error (.514).
Freeman (Lehi, Utah) is in her second season with the Vulcans after leading the 2024 PacWest Conference season with 83 total blocks (No. 4 in West Region with 112 overall). Entering Monday’s matches, Freeman was ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Division II with 68 total blocks — helping the Vulcans rank No. 19 overall for team total blocks.
