Maui to Host 2024 College Basketball Invitational
Maui, Hawaii – The 2024 Maui Invitational is set to welcome eight top men’s college basketball teams for an exciting three-day tournament. Scheduled to take place at the Lahaina Civic Center from Monday, November 25 to Wednesday, November 27, the event promises thrilling matchups and intense competition.
Format and Schedule
The tournament format features a series of games structured in a bracket format, allowing teams that lose to continue competing for a lower placement. The action kicks off with four first-round matchups on November 25, followed by semifinals and placement games throughout the next two days.
Day 1 Matchups: The tournament opens with two exciting games. At 3 p.m. ET, Memphis faces UConn, with Memphis triumphing in a nail-biting overtime match, ending it 99-97. Following this, Michigan State will take on Colorado at 6 p.m. ET. The late-night games will include Auburn squaring off against Iowa State at 9 p.m. ET and Dayton versus North Carolina at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Day 2 Matchups: Tuesday, November 26, offers a continuation of the excitement. At 3:30 p.m. ET, UConn will meet Colorado in a battle for survival, followed by Memphis against Michigan State at 6 p.m. ET. Later, the losers of the Day 1 games will face off at 8:30 p.m. ET, while the winners will conclude the evening at 11 p.m. ET.
Day 3 Matchups: The final day, November 27, will feature crucial games starting with the fifth-place match at 2:30 p.m. ET. The championship game is set for 5 p.m. ET, where the remaining undefeated teams will compete for the title. The tournament will wrap up with a third-place game at 9:30 p.m. and a seventh-place matchup to close out the festivities shortly after midnight.
Historical Context
Last year’s tournament saw a remarkable performance by Purdue, ranked No. 2, as they took home the championship title after defeating No. 4 Marquette. Purdue’s star player, Zach Edey, made headlines with a remarkable 28-point, 15-rebound performance, ultimately earning the title of tournament MVP. With such strong performances in past years, teams look to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.
The Maui Invitational holds a rich history, with Duke University boasting the most titles at five, including their last championship in 2011. Duke’s impressive all-time record stands at 18-1. Meanwhile, Chaminade University, historically known for their Cinderella moments, participated in every edition of the tournament until 2018. They remain a fixture in the Maui bracket during odd-numbered years, reflecting their strong tradition in college basketball.
Conclusion
The upcoming tournament promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Fans of college basketball are expected to flock to Maui for this unique opportunity to witness high-stakes competition in a stunning location. The 2024 Maui Invitational is not just a tournament; it’s an event that celebrates the spirit of college basketball while creating unforgettable memories.
