NCAA Basketball: 2019 Maui Invitational preview and predictions

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 22: Fans pack the Lahaina Civic Center to watch the Maui Invitational NCAA college basketball game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 22, 2016 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Prince Ali #23 of the UCLA Bruins shoots against Garrison Brooks #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. North Carolina defeated UCLA 94-78. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Day 2 predictions

Virginia vs Dayton

Day two will begin with a game between two teams that are performing better than some may have predicted early in the year, Dayton and Virginia Tech. Both teams have been using a deep bench early in the season with both the Flyers and Hokies having 9 players averaging at least 10 minutes per game. These are two more teams that like to score, with Dayton averaging 89.7 and 80 for Virginia Tech, with these two so evenly matched, I’ll take the Hokies on the back of a strong performance from Bede at the point.

Prediction: Virginia Tech

UCLA vs Chaminade

The second game has the hosts, Chaminade against UCLA, and again I just think the Silverswords will be overmatched by a better opponent. While I think UCLA has the talent edge just as Kansas did, I think the Bruins will be able to wear down Chaminade in this one as nine of the 10 players that have seen action, have played at least 10 minutes. In the end, the Bruins win this one.

Prediction: UCLA

Georgia vs Michigan State

One the winner’s side of the bracket, Georgia has a chance to get a marquee win against Michigan State, but it won’t be easy. This game to me, isn’t about a player match up or one player having a big offensive game, for Georgia to pull the upset, they are going to have to force Michigan State to take the ball out of the basket. If the Bulldogs can’t make shots against a team that allows opponents to shoot just 34% from the field, they won’t win the game, and I don’t think they will as Michigan State will move on to the title game.

Prediction: Michigan State

Kansas vs BYU

In the final game of the day, Kansas takes on BYU with a spot in the title game on the line. This is the game where BYU will feel the loss of Childs because they could use his size against the likes of Azubuike because outside of Kolby Lee, no other Cougar who will see the floor weighs more than 215lbs. The battle of the guards in this game will be fun to watch, Dotson is a National Player of the Year candidate for the Jayhawks and BYU has a number of guys who are comfortable with the ball in their hands, five players average at least 1.5 assists per game. But, I think in the end Kansas’ size and talent advantage do it for them again and they will move on to face Michigan State.

Prediction: Kansas

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