Maui Gears Up for 2024 College Basketball Invitational
The beautiful city of Maui in Hawaii is preparing to host the highly anticipated Maui Invitational, featuring eight men’s college basketball teams. The tournament will take place over three days, from Monday, November 25 to Wednesday, November 27, bringing exciting competition and entertainment to the Lahaina Civic Center.
Who and What
This year’s invitational includes prestigious teams such as Memphis, UConn, Michigan State, Colorado, Auburn, Iowa State, Dayton, and North Carolina. Each team will face off in a series of games, aiming for a top performance in this celebrated tournament. Last year’s winner, Purdue, triumphed over Marquette thanks to the remarkable skills of Zach Edey, who was recognized as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
When and Where
Games will be hosted at the Lahaina Civic Center, a venue that has seen some historic college basketball moments. The action kicks off on Monday, November 25, with fans eager to see how the teams match up in various games throughout the event.
Game Schedule
The tournament schedule is filled with exciting matchups:
- Game 1: Memphis vs. UConn at 5 p.m. (ET)
- Game 2: Michigan State vs. Colorado at 8 p.m. (ET)
- Game 3: Auburn vs. Iowa State at 9 p.m. on ESPNU
- Game 4: Dayton vs. North Carolina at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2
On Tuesday, November 26, the games continue with:
- Game 5: UConn vs. Colorado at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2
- Game 6: Memphis vs. Michigan State at 6 p.m. on ESPN
- Game 7: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU
- Game 8: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner at 11 p.m. on ESPN
The tournament wraps up on Wednesday, November 27, featuring placement games:
- Game 9: Game 5 winner vs. Game 7 winner at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN/ESPN2 (Fifth place game)
- Game 10: Game 6 winner vs. Game 8 winner at 5 p.m. on ESPN (Championship game)
- Game 11: Game 6 loser vs. Game 8 loser at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2 (Third place game)
- Game 12: Game 5 loser vs. Game 7 loser at 12 a.m. Thursday on ESPN2 (Seventh place game)
Why the Maui Invitational Matters
The Maui Invitational is more than just a basketball tournament. It serves as a platform for college teams to showcase their talents on a national stage, often impacting their rankings and NCAA tournament bids. Teams have experienced significant momentum shifts from strong performances here, making it a critical stop in the college basketball landscape.
Historical Context
The history of the tournament is rich, with Duke leading the pack with a record five tournament titles. The Blue Devils, who were previously undefeated in the invitational until 2018, still hold the best overall record. Chaminade University of Honolulu, known for its significant upset of the No. 1 ranked Virginia team in the past, has also made its mark in this tournament’s story.
In summary, the 2024 Maui Invitational promises thrilling gameplay, significant college basketball stakes, and the breathtaking backdrop of Maui. As the teams compete for glory, fans will surely be treated to unforgettable moments.
