The Maui Invitational Championship Round is set to kick-off today at 2:30. Arizona, Auburn, Duke, Gonzaga, Illinois, Iowa State, San Diego State University, and Xavier are competing for this year’s title.
In a bracket that could see Top 10 teams collide in the semifinals and the final, this year is sure to be a good year.
With Duke leading the pack as the Number 1 team in the country for a second straight week, and all eyes on their young talent, they are the team to take down. They take on San Diego State University today at 5pm.
Gonzaga, the #3 team in the country, will face Illinois in the opening round at 11:30pm. Averaging 106 points per game through three games, Gonzaga has shown the nation that they can ball. Don’t sleep on Illinois though, they have the talent to pull an upset but they will have to get hot immediately.
The #8 Auburn Tigers play against Xavier shortly at 2:30pm. Auburn has been on a roll, blowing out opponents and getting it started from the tip. Xavier, who has been shaky so far this season, hopes to pull off an upset.
At 9pm tonight, Iowa State will go up against Arizona. Iowa State has five players averaging double digits in points. They’ll need their guys to do this again going against a strong Arizona team who is bouncing back from a disappointing end of their last season.
Prediction: If Duke is able to perform as they have, and continue to run in transition, there is no team in this Invitational that can beat them. Be ready for some tight games though, there are some sleeper teams that everyone should keep their eyes out for.
Maui Invitational Championship: Duke over Gonzaga.