Fun in the Sun: A Look at the Maui Invitational

The Hawaiian shirts. The warm weather. In late November? The annual EASports Maui Invitational prepares to begin yet again.

Meet the Field

Monday, November 23, 3:00PM

Gonzaga: The Bulldogs come in at 2-1 on the season and certainly have an opportunity to make some noise on the island of Maui. After nearly shocking Michigan State at the Breslin Center last week as part of ESPN’s 24-hour marathon, the Zags quickly proved that this year is no down year for the mid-major power. They draw Colorado in the opening round of the tournament and with a good showing this week, may be looking to climb into the Top 25 sooner rather than later.

Colorado : The Buffalos enter their game with Gonzaga undefeated at 3-0. Colorado is averaging 86 points per game to open up the season, aided by the 23.3 ppg average from junior Cory Higgins. However, they have not played anybody well, and Gonzaga will provide a tough test. Colorado will need a strong outing to matchup with the underrated Bulldogs.

Monday, November 23, 5:30PM

Cincinnati : The nation will get a look at the highly-touted freshman Lance Stephenson. Many people believe the Bearcats might be one of the more underrated teams in the Big East this season and their first-round matchup against No. 24 Vanderbilt should give a good look at Cincinnati. Deonta Vaughn and Rashad Bishop lead the scoring for Cincy, each averaging 14 points per game. They will look to get things going on Monday evening.

No. 24 Vanderbilt: The Commodores are one of just two ranked teams in the Maui field this season, but their first-round matchup is enough to get them focused. Heading into the season, many believed Vanderbilt would be a sleeper in the SEC. After the questionable struggles for the conference to start the year, Vandy sits at 2-0, including a victory over a pesky St. Mary’s squad. Sophomore Jeffrey Taylor has been off to a hot start for the Commodores, while big man A.J. Ogilvy looks to improve on his offensive numbers.

Monday, November 23, 9:30PM

Chaminade: As everyone knows, the tournament’s host has provided the nation with some shocking moments in the past. They draw No. 22 Maryland in the opening round of the tournament this year and serving as the highlight of their season each year, the Hawaii-based school gets their annual national attention.

No. 22 Maryland: The Terrapins head to Maui as the top-ranked team in the tournament at No. 22 in the nation. Maryland has cruised to a 3-0 mark to begin the season and on Monday night the nation will get its first look of 2009-2010 at Greivis Vasquez, who is averaging eight points and seven assists through the front three contests.

Monday, November 23, 12:00AM

Arizona : Sean Miller has taken over an Arizona program with many questions entering the season and an NCAA Tournament streak that may be in trouble. They have taken care of business in their first two contests of the year, led by the 15-a-night numbers by Nic Wise. Bo Ryan and Wisconsin are always tough, but the Wildcats will be looking to make a statement in Maui.

Wisconsin : The Badgers are only allowing 44 points per game en route to starting the season at 2-0. It will be interesting to see if Wisconsin can compete in the Big Ten, but despite being questioned in the past, they tend to prove many people wrong. Their defensive toughness will have to start with Nic Wise, the leader for Arizona, and for Wisconsin the pressure comes on senior point guard Trevon Hughes.