Anteaters meet Bearkats

UC Irvine just might have a familiar face back in the lineup when it tries to get back in the win column tonight.

The Anteaters’ men’s basketball team, losers of two straight, is expecting the return of senior forward Nic Campbell when UCI plays host to Sam Houston State at 7 p.m.

Campbell, the team leading returning scorer from last season (10.5 points per game), has not played this season because of a lower-back ailment. He is expected to be in uniform and might see action at the Bren Events Center, where the Anteaters are 2-0 this season.

UCI (3-6) is coming off a heartbreaking 76-73 loss at Drake Tuesday night, when the Anteaters relinquished an 18-point lead.

Junior forward Patrick Sanders, who leads UCI in scoring with 13.4 points per game, will try to help the Anteaters redeem themselves. Sophomore forward Adam Templeton (12.1 points per game) and junior center Darren Fells (10.7 points per game) are also key players for the ‘Eaters. Junior guard Chuma Awaji leads the team in assists with 23.

Junior forward Ryan Bright leads the Bearkats (6-3), scoring (17.1 points per game) and rebounding (7.7 per game). Sam Houston State, which finished 22-9 last year, is coming off a 92-77 win over visiting Loyola Marymount on Dec. 6.

UCI lost at Loyola Marymont 73-65 on Dec. 9.