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NCAA Basketball: Biggest takeaways from 2019 Maui Invitational

By Tristan Freeman

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: The Kansas Jayhawks pose for a photo after winning the championship game of the 2019 Maui Invitational against the Dayton Flyers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: The Kansas Jayhawks pose for a photo after winning the championship game of the 2019 Maui Invitational against the Dayton Flyers at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 26: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs takes a jump shot over Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 26, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 26: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs takes a jump shot over Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 26, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

With Kansas hoisting the title, the 2019 Maui Invitational has completed. What were the biggest takeaways from the NCAA Basketball programs?

Every year, the Maui Invitational always has at least a couple of intriguing games that become must-see NCAA Basketball events. This edition was no different, starting off with Virginia Tech’s massive upset over top-5 ranked Michigan State. BYU put up a tough fight against the other heavyweight Kansas Jayhawks for a half before putting on a record display against the Hokies.

Anthony Edwards, Landers Nolley and Obi Toppin were the individual stars of the Maui Invitational, while the Dayton Flyers nearly rose to the cream of the crop. They took Kansas into overtime in a thriller, falling to Kansas, 90-84. All of the Division I programs who participated picked up a win and benefitted from the high-level competition.

There was a lot to take away from the 2019 Maui Invitational, both good and bad. For the following seven NCAA Basketball teams, here is what I gathered.

Georgia – Anthony Edwards can’t overcome dreadful defense

Freshman guard Anthony Edwards has been as good as advertised, averaging over 20 ppg this season. Although he struggled against Dayton, the star scorer went for 37 points (33 in the second half) against Michigan State, before hitting the game-winning three-pointer to beat Chaminade. He really was the only quality performer from the Bulldogs, with the other role players struggling.

With just a win over a D-II team in the Maui Invitational, Georgia’s NCAA Tournament aspirations didn’t take a step forward. And unless their defense drastically improves the Bulldogs won’t be dancing anywhere. Giving up 80 points to Dayton and 93 to Michigan State brings Georgia’s scoring defense up to nearly 80 ppg allowed, good for in the 300’s nationally. If Edwards needs to go 20+ just to keep the Bulldogs in future games, it’ll be a long season for Coach Tom Crean.

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