Preview: Hot Tritons Visit Struggling Mustangs in Big West Opener SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging UC San Diego men’s basketball team opens Big West Conference play on New Year’s Day, visiting a Cal Poly squad seeking to reverse its fortunes in a Thursday matinee at Mott Gym. The Tritons (11-2) enter 2026 as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having won nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent outing was an 85-62 rout of Stanton on Sunday, led by 18 points from guard Leo Beath. UC San Diego’s only losses are by a combined five points to San Diego and Nevada. Cal Poly (5-9) looks to halt a four-game skid, with three of those losses coming by three points or fewer, including an 83-80 overtime defeat to Idaho on Dec. 21. The Mustangs have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 87.5 points during their losing streak. The matchup features two of the Big West’s top individual scorers. UC San Diego’s Beath has been a consistent force, averaging 15.4 points over his last five games, including a 21-point, 6-assist performance in a blowout of Tulane. He will be countered by Cal Poly’s high-volume scorer, Hamad Mousa. The guard is averaging 24.2 points over his last five contests, erupting for 33 points against Idaho and 31 against UC Riverside. His scoring prowess will be critical for a Mustangs offense that often relies on his production. UC San Diego has shown balanced scoring and efficient play, while Cal Poly has been plagued by an inability to close out tight games. The Tritons won both meetings last season. Thursday’s contest tips off at 1 p.m. PST. UC San Diego travels to face Hawaii on Saturday, while Cal Poly visits Long Beach State.