In Maui, Hawaii, the 2024 Maui Invitational came to an exciting conclusion as eight men’s college basketball teams competed for the prestigious title from November 25 to November 27. The tournament, held at the Lahaina Civic Center, showcased thrilling matchups over the three-day event.
This year, the Auburn Tigers claimed the championship, defeating Memphis 90-76 in a high-stakes final game. Auburn’s Johni Broome was a standout player, finishing the game with an impressive 21 points and 16 rebounds.
The tournament began on November 25 with some nail-biting encounters. In the first game, Memphis narrowly edged UConn, winning 99-97 in overtime. Other opening day highlights included Michigan State’s 72-56 victory over Colorado and a close matchup where Auburn defeated Iowa State, 83-81. North Carolina also managed to pull off a thrilling 92-90 victory against Dayton in their opening game.
On November 26, more excitement filled the air. Colorado managed to beat UConn 73-72, while Memphis continued their winning ways against Michigan State with a 71-63 score. Iowa State remained competitive with an 89-84 win over Dayton, and Auburn advanced by defeating North Carolina 85-72.
The tournament wrapped up on November 27 with several decisive games. Iowa State secured a fifth-place finish, beating Colorado by a score of 99-71. In the third-place game, Michigan State triumphed over North Carolina, narrowly winning 94-91. The championship bout saw Auburn rise to glory over Memphis, solidifying their impressive performance throughout the tournament.
The event is rich in history, and Auburn’s victory adds to an impressive legacy for the program. Notably, Duke holds the record for most titles won at the Maui Invitational, with five championships. This annual showcase of college basketball talent continues to be a fan-favorite event, drawing teams and spectators to the scenic island.
