Las Vegas Invitational 2013: Teams, Schedule, Live Stream, Bracket, TV Info

Turkey and college hoops, there are only a handful of combinations that trump that setup. College basketball fans can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday by catching the annual Las Vegas Invitational. The eight-team tournament begins on Thursday and concludes on Friday.

Here's a look at the teams involved, the scheduled matchups and viewing information, per the tournament's official site and ESPN.

Nov. 28

11:30 a.m   Gardner Webb vs. IUPUI
2:00 p.m     Morehead State vs. Chattanooga
4:30 p.m     UCLA vs. Nevada - ESPN 3 (Live Stream)
7:30 p.m     Missouri vs. Northwestern - ESPNU

Nov. 29

12:30 PM    Loser GWU/IUPUI vs. Loser MSU/UTC
3:00 PM      Winner GWU/IUPUI vs. Winner MSU/UTC
5:30 PM      Missouri vs. Nevada - ESPN 3 (Live Stream)
8:30 PM      UCLA vs. Northwestern - ESPN 2

Top Team

UCLA

The Bruins are the only nationally ranked team in the field. Though they are yet to play an upper-echelon squad, UCLA is 5-0 and ranked 22nd in the AP Top 25. The Las Vegas Invitational will serve up the toughest competition for Steve Alford's team.

Alford's group features a talented sophomore duo and a wealth of size and versatility across the lineup. Here's a look at the stars for UCLA and other likely standouts in Sin City.

Top Stars

Bruins' Super Sophomores—Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson

No team in the field has a one-two punch like the Bruins have with Adams and Anderson. Together, they are averaging 33.8 points per game. Adams is the team's leading scorer. The 19-year-old shooting guard is pouring in 24.5 points per game including 30 points in a preliminary matchup with Morehead State on Nov. 22.

Anderson has been the definition of a stat-sheet stuffer for Alford's team. The 6'9" forward is not only scoring 11.6 points per game, he's also leading the Bruins in rebounding with 9.8 and assists with 7.8 assists. 

It will be difficult for any team to counter Adams and Anderson in Las Vegas.

Fierce Wildcat—Drew Crawford

Son of NBA official Danny Crawford, Drew is making his mark for Northwestern. The 6'5" senior guard is scoring 16.6 points and pulling down eight rebounds per game this season. He's also nailed 50 percent of his attempts from three-point range.

Northwestern hasn't gotten off to the best start at 3-2, but Crawford's efforts have stood out.

The Lone Wolf—Deonte Burton

There isn't much to the Nevada Wolf Pack's offense aside from Burton. His 24.5 points per game is more than the next two highest scorers on his team combined. The 6'1" senior guard has raised his scoring average every year in college and his senior season has gotten off to a fast start.

Nevada won't be the favorites against UCLA or Missouri, Burton is almost certain to represent himself well on a moderately large stage.

Ian "Honey" Chiles

If you're looking for a player from a smaller program who has an opportunity to make a splash in the NBA, take a serious look at the IUPUI Jaguars' Ian Chiles. 

He's only 6'1", but he has a knack for getting in the lane and a lightning-quick first step. Chiles has also shown he can knock down the long distance shot with regularity. So far this season, he's scoring 19.2 points and making just under 36 percent of his three-point attempts.

He had 19 points in a losing effort against Northwestern on Nov. 22. Look for him to continue to shine as IUPUI's top scoring threat.

The Biggest Eagle—Chad Posthumus

At 6'11" and 265 pounds, Posthumus is the most imposing and productive big man in the tournament. This season, he's averaging a double-double with 11.4 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

Posthumus proved he could produce against top-level competition when he went for 21 points and 18 rebounds against the Bruins on Nov. 22. The Big Eagle followed that up with 10 points and 16 boards against Nevada.

He'll be a load on the block for every team Morehead State faces this season.

Follow me for news and musings on all things hoops.