By Jonathan Lidskin
Well, there are a lot of words to describe what happened in Maui on Monday. I’ve been watching college basketball for a long time and I can’t remember a day of Maui let alone a day of an MTE that was that good. So let’s just go through the chaotic day we had that set up a great Tuesday and Wednesday.
Memphis-UConn:
The game that produced the most storylines because of what Dan Hurley said after the loss. However, Penny Hardaway got the biggest win of his career despite his team blowing a double-digit lead with three minutes to go. Tyrese Hunter had 26 and hit seven threes. The Tigers got a two-point win partly due to Dan Hurley receiving a technical foul during overtime. After the game, Hurley seemed to think his team should be officiated differently because they have won back-to-back titles. Regardless, it was a massive win for Memphis who will now draw Michigan State in the semis.
Michigan State-Colorado:
It was the least entertaining game of the day. Colorado, as expected, is going to be overmatched in this tournament and they were against an underwhelming Spartans team that hit just two threes in the game. Michigan State will need to play better if they want to knock off Memphis.
Auburn-Iowa State:
The first-ever top-five matchup in the first round of Maui delivered. Iowa State came out with a bang against many people’s #1 team in the country, but Bruce Pearl’s group fought back from down 18 to win it on a Johni Broome tip-in. Broome finished the game with 21 and 10 rebounds while Chad Baker-Mazara had 18. Auburn is solidifying a one-seed type resumé with wins already over Houston and now Iowa State. They have many other tough games coming up including the rest of Maui.
UNC-Dayton:
The second biggest comeback in UNC history. The Tar Heels were down 21 to a Dayton team that looked like they found some Maui magic. It was an impressive second half for the UNC guards as Seth Trimble and RJ Davis both had huge nights. Dayton was impressive themselves despite the loss as their balanced scoring attack was tough for UNC to defend. The Tar Heels came away victorious though after Nate Santos’ foot was on the line for a potential game-tying three.
Tuesday’s Maui Matchups:
Consolation Games:
Colorado vs. UConn
Iowa State vs. Dayton
Semifinals:
Memphis vs. Michigan State
Auburn vs. UNC
Other Games to Watch:
Players’ Era Festival
Penn State vs. Clemson (Sunshine Slam Championship)
Boise State vs. Boston College (Cayman Islands Classic Championship)
Duke vs. Kansas