One of the top early-season college basketball tournaments, The Maui Invitational, starts today, featuring eight teams with big goals and hopes for championships. Taking place at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii, this three-day event is a key opportunity for teams to showcase their skills on a national level.

After being moved last year due to wildfires, the tournament's return to Maui adds extra excitement. We’re here to provide Maui Invitational predictions for today’s games! The 2024 lineup includes a mix of established teams and emerging contenders, led by defending national champion UConn, ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Other top 25 teams include No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State, and No. 10 North Carolina, each bringing unique strengths, from Auburn's tough defense to North Carolina's exciting backcourt. Michigan State, Dayton, Memphis, and Colorado complete the competitive field, promising intense matchups.

 

 

 

Maui Invitational Predictions & Tournament Overview

The tournament kicks off with UConn against Memphis, followed by Michigan State vs. Colorado. Later, Auburn faces Iowa State in a crucial top-10 matchup, and North Carolina takes on Dayton to end the first day.

Known for creating memorable moments and testing championship-level teams, this year's Maui Invitational is set to offer thrilling basketball and insights into the season's top contenders. Let the games begin, and here are our official 2024 Maui Invitational predictions!

 

 

 

Memphis vs. #2 UConn Predictions & Picks

The UConn Huskies should be able to cover the -9.5 spread against Memphis thanks to their strong defense and effective offense. They lead the country in points allowed per game (51.0) and opponent shooting percentage (32.3%), which could make it hard for Memphis to score. 

Although Memphis has a good three-point shooting percentage of 45.9%, they haven’t faced tough defenses this season and will find it challenging against UConn's tight perimeter defense. UConn's offense, featuring players like Alex Karaban and Solo Ball, is well-rounded and productive. 

They rank 15th in the nation for points per game (88.8) and sixth in shooting percentage (53.0%), giving them the ability to outscore Memphis, whose defense struggles in several areas, including points allowed and three-point defense. 

With Memphis giving up nearly 71 points per game and having issues with rebounding, UConn's strong rebounding (38.8 RPG) and depth will likely lead to extra scoring chances and control of the game pace.

 

 

 

#4 Auburn vs. #5 Iowa St Predictions & Picks

The total score under 144.5 for the Auburn vs. Iowa State game seems probable due to both teams' strong defenses and slower play against similar teams. Auburn gives up only 59.3 points per game (18th in the nation) and limits opponents to 35.7% shooting. 

Iowa State's defense is even tougher, ranked 2nd in scoring defense at 51.0 points per game and allowing just 35% shooting. Both teams excel at forcing poor offensive plays. Although they can score, their recent performances indicate a lower-scoring game against solid defenses. 

Iowa State has had three games this season go under the total, mainly because they control the pace and limit second-chance points with a top-25 rebounding defense. Auburn has also seen totals fall below 145 against strong teams like Kent State. 

Expect a tough game focused on rebounds and defensive plays. With neither team heavily relying on three-point shooting—Auburn at 37.6% (66th) and Iowa State at 31% (265th)—big offensive bursts are unlikely.

 

 

 

Dayton vs. #10 UNC Predictions & Picks

Finally, the total of over 154.5 in today's game between Dayton and North Carolina looks promising. With both teams having offensive strengths and fast pace, North Carolina has one of the best scoring offenses in the country, averaging 93.3 points per game, ranking 7th nationally, thanks to their impressive shooting percentages of 47.7% from the field and 82.6% from the free-throw line.

Dayton also shows offensive depth, scoring 77.0 points per game with several players who can reach double digits. On defense, both teams have weaknesses that could lead to a high score. North Carolina gives up 73.0 points per game, ranking 227th nationally, and struggles against outside shooters, allowing 32.7% from three-point range. 

Dayton, while better defensively, will face a tough challenge against UNC’s fast-paced offense led by R.J. Davis and Elliot Cadeau. The game’s tempo favors the over, as North Carolina excels in fast breaks, and Dayton can take advantage of quick scoring opportunities and rebounds.

 

 

 

Maui Invitational Odds & Betting Lines

Below we’ve listed today’s Maui Invitational odds and betting lines for the games we just discussed via BetMGM Sportsbook:

  • Memphis Tigers (+333) vs. UConn Huskies (-450)
    • Spread: Memphis +8.5 (-105) vs. UConn -8.5 (-115)
    • Game Total: Over 149.5 (-105) vs. Under 149.5 (-115)
  • Auburn Tigers (-200) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (+165)
    • Spread: Auburn -4.5 (-105) vs. Iowa State +4.5 (-110)
    • Game Total: Over 144.5 (-110) vs. Under 144.5 (-110)
  • Dayton Flyers (-280) vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (+350)
    • Spread: Dayton +8.5 (-115) vs. North Carolina -8.5 (-105)
    • Game Total: Over 154.5 (-110) vs. Under 154.5 (-110)

 

 

 

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