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 Brad Davison Wisconsin Badgers (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Day 2 predictions

Butler vs. Texas A&M

11:30 a.m. PT, ESPN2

These are two teams who have struggled to score, turn the ball over frequently, and both rank in the bottom 30 nationally in adjusted tempo. Despite their offensive struggles, Butler has done one thing well – shoot the three. The Bulldogs rank ninth in 3-point attempt rate, hitting 37.3% of them. That potential for offensive firepower is enough to sway me towards LaVall Jordan and co.

Pick: Butler

#15 Houston vs. Wisconsin

2:00 p.m. PT, ESPN

Fans of college basketball should know the drill with this game—two teams who love to play slow. Houston’s half-court offense is incredible. Wisconsin’s half-court offense is not. For that reason, the Cougars will make sure to keep this game slow, bleeding out every second of a slow and painful loss for the Badgers.

Pick: Houston

#12 Oregon vs. Notre Dame

5:00 p.m. PT, ESPN

This game will be a refreshing change of pace, literally, from the two early games on day two in Las Vegas. Both Oregon and Notre Dame rank in the top 20 nationally in offensive efficiency. Dana Altman vs. Mike Brey drawing up offensive sets in a back-and-forth should be incredibly fun to watch. Both teams are incredibly experienced, but the Duck’s defense is slightly more reliable than Notre Dame’s.

Pick: Notre Dame

Saint Mary’s vs. Chaminade

7:30 p.m. PT, ESPNU

Saint Mary’s is a difficult opponent for a true underdog like Chaminade to pull an upset over. The Gaels are experienced, well-coached, and often immune to these types of games. They do not have the blind pride of some larger, high-major programs. Chaminade’s upset bid seems unlikely to happen here.

Pick: Saint Mary’s

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