Nov 21, 20175 min read

CBB: A Look at the Maui Invitational

The 2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational Tournament is set to take place from Monday, November 20 to Wednesday, November 22 the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii on ESPN, ESPN2, and/or ESPNU. The eight-team tournament will be headed by Marquette vs. VCU, followed by Wichita State vs. California, and then the nightcap of Notre Dame vs. Chaminade and Michigan vs. LSU.

The Maui Invitational is one of the best tournaments in college basketball even if you're sitting at home, but to actually be in Hawaii enjoying championship-level competition, an intimate setting, and to be able to look off into the Pacific Ocean when its all over is what dreams are made of. Unfortunately, I won't be in Hawaii so I'll be breaking down each game and who I expect to win the tournament. Let's get to it!

Game 1 - VCU vs. Marquette: If the Marquette Golden Eagles are looking to beat the VCU Rams, defense has to come into play sooner or later. Although they have a dynamic scorer in senior Andrew Rowsey (24.0 PPG), the Rams have a much more balanced attack. VCU has four players averaging at least 12.0 points a game. I expect the Rams to crash the boards, create a lot of turnovers, and play stifling defense to come out on top.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: VCU (1-0)

Post: VCU (1-0)

Schwochow: VCU (1-0)

Game 2 - Wichita State vs. California: In typical college basketball fashion, if there was an upset to be had this would definitely be the winner. Wichita State are the favorites coming into the tournament and should make light work of the California Golden Bears. California junior Don Coleman (25.6 PPG) has been lighting it up to start the season scoring 30 points in back-to-back games, but WSU is a different animal. The Shockers have out-rebounded their opponents by an average of 21 boards and have routinely gotten off to hot starts. Although California's backcourt is towering, elite rebounding goes hand in hand with winning so the Shockers will most likely be moving on.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Wichita State (1-0)

Post: Wichita State (1-0)

Schwochow: Wichita State (1-0)

Game 3 - Notre Dame vs. Chaminade: I take back what I said previously, this would be the upset of the night, but the beauty of it all is that upsets do happen. Notre Dame could potentially fall into a trap if they're not careful but victory should come easily for the Fighting Irish, if they play disciplined. If everything holds true, Notre Dame will be moving on to face their Big Ten rival

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Notre Dame (1-0)

Post: Notre Dame (1-0)

Schwochow: Notre Dame (1-0)

Game 4 - Michigan vs. LSU: Michigan will pose a huge threat to anyone they face because of their ability to space the floor. LSU is playing much more inspired basketball to start the season compared to last year. Through two games they are averaging a staggering 102.0 points per game on 60.5 percent from the field. Although it is a small sample size it's still impressive nonetheless. I'd need to see LSU beat someone of Michigan's caliber before declaring them the winner. Michigan is balanced on both sides of the floor and should be moving on to face Notre Dame.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Michigan (1-0)

Post: Michigan (1-0)

Schwochow: Michigan (1-0)

Game 5 - Wichita State vs. VCU: Wichita State is one of the top programs in the country and should play well into March Madness, which doesn't bode well for VCU. Senior Shaquille Morris (17.0 PPG) is putting together a fantastic season, converting on 66 percent of his shots from deep. I don't think VCU has enough firepower to compete with Wichita State who are already defensive juggernauts. The Shockers will be moving on, which isn't a shocking prediction.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Wichita State (2-0)

Post: Wichita State (2-0)

Schwochow: Wichita State (2-0)

Game 6 - Marquette vs. California: The Golden Eagles and the Golden Bears ironically are both similar on defense and offense just based on the sheer numbers. Honestly, this matchup may come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes. I have to give the slight edge to Marquette but really it's a toss up because of how similar both teams are coming into the tournament.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Marquette (1-1)

Post: Marquette (1-1)

Schwochow: California (1-1)

Game 7 - LSU vs. Chaminade: If LSU can continue their early season success they will easily defeat the host of the tournament. A Division II program beating a Division I program is highly unlikely due to their ability to recruit, but let's hope for an upset because everybody loves a good underdog story.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: LSU (1-1)

Post: LSU (1-1)

Schwochow: LSU (1-1)

Game 8 - Notre Dame vs. Michigan: An early season rivalry game should bode well for excitement as Michigan looks to defeat the Fighting Irish. John Beilein is one of the best offensive coaches in the nation but the Wolverines are struggling to put up points to compete with some of its Big Ten competition. Notre Dame on the other hand can easily top 90 points if given the chance and I'm not sure Michigan can produce enough firepower to topple the Fighting Irish. I have Notre Dame advancing to the championship.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Notre Dame (2-0)

Post: Notre Dame (2-0)

Schwochow: Michigan (2-0)

Game 9 - California vs. Chaminade: Again, the odds aren't in the favor for Chaminade but they are the tournament host and will not go down without a fight. Don Coleman will definitely show out against inferior competition and will be the star of the game. Silverswords senior Rohndell Goodwin (20.0 PPG) is put up 22 points against Tennessee so there is definitely talent, but it may not be enough for a tournament win.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: California (1-2)

Post: California (1-2)

Schwochow: California (2-1)

Game 10 - LSU vs. Marquette: LSU might enter 110-point territory in the Maui tournament if they have to play Marquette. Both teams like to fill up the stat sheet, but as they say “defense wins championships.” There might not be enough defense played by Marquette for them to emerge victorious. LSU should win in what might be a high scoring affair.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: LSU (2-1)

Post: Marquette (2-1)

Schwochow: Marquette (2-1)

Game 11 - Michigan vs. VCU: Defensively Michigan is among the elite, only holding their opponents to 59.3 points per game. The Wolverines ability to force their opponents to try and get in a shootout with them often time works in their favor. However, VCU is no slouch on offense and can just as easily put pressure on Michigan. I expect experience to be the determining factor which will have the Wolverines finishing in third place.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Michigan (2-1)

Post: Michigan (2-1)

Schwochow: Michigan (2-1)

Game 12 - Wichita State vs. Notre Dame: The game all neutral fans should be rooting for because this one will be a dog fight. The Shockers are the best team in the tournament but the Fighting Irish won't make it easy on them. WSU is deep, experienced, and play all the defense which may neutralize Notre Dame's biggest weapon in Bonzie Colson (20.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG). The forward is averaging a nice double-double, but gets most of his points around the basket and Wichita State is stingy in that area. Temple Gibbs may have to take on more of a scoring load due to his accuracy from beyond the arc. I fully expect Landry Shamet and WSU to win because of their elite defense, with Morris winning MVP honors.

Predictions:

O'Bannon: Wichita State (3-0)

Post: Wichita State (3-0)

Schwochow: Wichita State (3-0)