Saturday Night Fever at the Sheriff Center on disco night against UC Irvine was far less flashy than blitzing Long Beach State two nights earlier. But this 78-72 win for UH’s fifth-straight victory possessed a charm of its own because of its textbook nature.

This is a lot closer to how UH is going to have to win down the stretch and in the Big West tournament. You’re more likely to be down by three than up by 30 at halftime, and you’re going to have to fight all the way for wins.

"Defensive stops, inside-out, strong with the ball, kept the turnovers down. Fundamentally sound things that help you win games," UH coach Gib Arnold said. "This was not an easy win. This was a tough, gritty, blue-collar win. At this time of year, playing them twice, they know our calls, we know their calls. These are how the games are going to be (the rest of the way in conference play)."

It wasn’t boring by any means, but it was relatively normal, almost routine — something we’ve rarely seen from this team. That’s a good sign, a sign of a mature squad that continues to improve.

Here are some big-boy numbers: turnovers under 10 (seven) and free-throw percentage close to 80 (78).

And the players are having fun.

"Definitely enjoying the ride," senior center Vander Joaquim said. "Everybody’s contributing. Everybody’s loose and enjoying each other. I think everyone’s playing loose, playing with freedom. Nobody’s worrying … just doing what we’re supposed to do. If we just play, everything happens natural. No one worrying about what’s coming around."

That crucial stretch where Joaquim took over the game Saturday early in the second half is the best I’ve seen him play, and that’s saying something, since when he’s done here in a few weeks he will have a place among the program’s all-time greats.

He came up big once again, despite constant double teams and early foul trouble.

"He’s taking a beating. … He had great mental toughness," Arnold said. "Early in Vander’s career (two early fouls) could’ve messed him up the whole game. But every minute he played, I thought he played very well."

The line for the game was fairly normal for him, 15 points, 10 rebounds and one block. But he was at his best when the game turned, especially on defense as the last line of defense at the basket.

"Just trying to protect the paint as much as I can," Joaquim said. "Block shots and change shots. It doesn’t matter who gets the rebound, it’s all about the team."

So they take the lead, and they gradually build on it and put it away with solid ball-handling and free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Nothing fancy, nothing dramatic.

They worked hard on press-breaking Friday, knowing that 23 turnovers again would likely mean an end to the winning streak.

More fundamentals that lead to victory: Jace Tavita takes a charge at 3:23 with a four-point lead. A minute later, sweet pick and roll, Christian Standhardinger from Hauns Brereton, expanding the lead to six points.

"This is the way it should be," Arnold said.

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783.