California vs. Hawaii: March Madness 2016 Preview

Cal is hoping to use some of its late-season Pac-12 momentum to spark victories in the NCAA Tournament this year. (Getty)

California has surprised a few people already this month.

Now, the Golden Bears are hoping to take the country by storm, grabbing a 4 seed in the South NCAA Tournament and an opening round tilt against Hawaii. It’s a matchup that Cal is anxious for and an opportunity to prove that the squad’s late-season success in the Pac-12 is much more than just a fluke.

Cal believes it’s a good team. In fact, Cal believes is a great team. Now, it’s time to prove that to everyone else. It all starts in the opening round of the Tournament. After all, March is the perfect time to surprise people.

Here’s a look at the matchup and game details.

REGION: South

DATE: Friday, March 18

TIME: TBD

TV CHANNEL: TBD

POINT SPREAD: TBD. Click here for more March Madness betting info from Heavy’s partners at OddsShark.

California at a Glance

RECORD: 23-10 (12-6)

LOCATION: Berkeley, California

CONFERENCE: Pac-12

COACH: Cuonzo Martin

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jaylen Brown, Fr., Forward (15 PPG, 2.03 APG, 5.5 RPG, .436 FG% .298 3PT%); Tyrone Wallace, Sr., Guard (15.3 PPG, 3.12 APG, 5.4 RPG, .440 FG%, .298 3PT %).

Hawaii at a Glance

RECORD: 27-5 (13-3 Big West)

LOCATION: Honolulu, Hawaii

CONFERENCE: Big West

COACH: Eran Ganot

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Stefan Jankovic (15.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG, .557 FG%), Aaron Valdes (14.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG), Roderick Bobbitt (13.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.2 SPG)