Maui Invitational bracket, preview, predictions: Is UNC basketball the favorite in Hawaii?

UNC basketball is in Hawaii for Thanksgiving week to compete in the Maui Invitational.

The 10th-ranked Tar Heels (3-1) start the three-day event against Dayton (5-0) on Monday (11:30 p.m., ESPN2) inside the Lahaina Civic Center.

No. 2 UConn (4-0), No. 4 Auburn (4-0), No. 5 Iowa State (3-0), Colorado (4-0), Memphis (4-0) and Michigan State (4-1) round out the eight-team field. The championship is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Here’s a look at the full schedule and bracket, along with previews of each team and a prediction for which squad will be celebrating a championship in Hawaii.

Maui Invitational preview for UNC basketball, Auburn, UConn, Iowa State, Michigan State, others

Here’s a quick breakdown of the eight-team field in the 2024 Maui Invitational.

Auburn

With a victory against Houston, the Tigers have the best win of the season. Auburn is loaded with experience, talent and energy. Two-way star Johni Broome (20 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 3.2 bpg) sets the tone as an efficient scorer and relentless defender. Auburn defends passes like its life depends on it and consistently gets scoring opportunities at the rim. The Tigers are contenders in Maui and contenders to cut down the nets in San Antonio.

Colorado

Unfortunately, Travis Hunter doesn’t play basketball. Still, Colorado heads to Hawaii with a 4-0 record and a chance to knock off Michigan State because of its 3-point shooting and a veteran roster. Senior forward Andrej Jakimovski (14.3 ppg, 5.3 rbg) is the player to watch.

Dayton

The undefeated Flyers have a tough opening draw in UNC, but Dayton made a run to the 2019 Maui title game. Senior guard Enoch Cheeks (15 ppg, 8.3 rbg, 3.3 spg) is a two-way standout for one of the most experienced rosters in the country. Anthony Grant’s club won’t be scared.

Iowa State

In Cyclones face Auburn in the best first-round matchup. T.J. Otzelberger’s club is among the nation’s toughest teams to score on, blitzing ball screens and forcing a ton of turnovers. Iowa State also has five players…

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Author : The Fayetteville Observer

Publish date : 2024-11-24 14:23:00

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