NCAA Basketball: Preview and predictions for 2024 Maui Invitational

Predictions

Anything can happen in Maui, though we’ll be doing our best to explain what we predict will happen next week with this talented field, giving expectations more than specific matchups and breakdowns.

Stranger things have happened, but UConn should take care of business against Memphis in the opener. Game two could go either way, though we’ll lean on Michigan State’s talent over Colorado. The third game will be one of the best matchups of the entire tournament, and we’re giving the slight edge to a battle-tested Auburn squad against Iowa State. The final game sees North Carolina survive what could be a tough battle with Dayton.

In the semifinals, the Huskies should win over Michigan State, having what’s not the toughest route to the title game. The other semifinal sees the Tar Heels put up an impressive fight before falling to Auburn. On the consolation side, Memphis and Colorado’s tough battle sees a narrow win by the Tigers, while Iowa State gets back on track against the Flyers.

That 7th place game between Colorado and Dayton goes more the way of the Flyers, who get at least one boosting victory in Maui. In the consolation title game, Iowa State should outmaneuver Memphis for a second win in the event. A familiar matchup awaits in the 3rd place game, with North Carolina clawing out a solid win over Michigan State. The title game should be the best of the event, though we’re inclined to lean on UConn even against a ridiculously talented Auburn team.

Any of those games, especially on Wednesday night (if the matchups remain the same) could go a different way. The beauty of the Maui Invitational is that it’s produced unexpected results in the past and this could certainly be one of those crazy years again. It’s hard to argue with the powerhouse teams in this event, but who do you think is going to claim the tournament title on Wednesday night?