NCAA Basketball: 2021 Maui Invitational preview and predictions

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 27: A Maui Invitational basketball on the floor during a third round Maui Invitation basketball game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Brigham Young Cougars at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 27, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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NCAA Basketball Maui Invitational Buzz Williams Texas A&M Aggies (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Day 1 predictions

Texas A&M vs Wisconsin

11:00 a.m. PST, ESPN2

This will be a low-scoring game as both teams have struggled to score to start the season. Wisconsin is not a good shooting team, ranking 279th in effective field goal percentage and 249th in 3-point percentage. While Texas A&M’s shooting numbers are much better, their offensive efficiency is actually lower than the Badgers’ nationally. At the end of the day, Wisconsin will have the best player on the floor in Brad Davison and a significant size advantage across the board.

Pick: Wisconsin

Butler vs #15 Houston

1:30 p.m., ESPN2

Houston will be entirely too physical defensively for a Butler team that has struggled to score through four games. The Bulldogs rank 282nd in turnover rate while Houston’s defense ranks 38th in forced turnover rate. The Cougars will also have maybe the best player in the entire tournament in Marcus Sasser.

Pick: Houston

#12 Oregon vs Chaminade

6:00 p.m., ESPNU

Coming off of an embarrassing loss to BYU, the Ducks will come out hungry for a blowout win to kick things off in Las Vegas. Chaminade’s upset chances will have to wait until the second round of this tournament.

Pick: Oregon

Saint Mary’s vs Notre Dame

8:30 p.m., ESPN2

Saint Mary’s is a top 30 defense nationally while Notre Dame is a top 10 offense. Both teams are also very experienced and incredibly well-coached. This has a chance to be the best opening-round game of the Maui Invitational. Notre Dame’s offensive firepower and top-tier guard play are too difficult to bet against, especially in the opening game of a tournament setting.

Pick: Notre Dame

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