MSU set to make sixth appearance in annual event
The 2024 Maui Invitational is set to tip off on Monday, and our Michigan State Spartans are a part of a loaded field this year. Tom Izzo & Co. are returning to Hawaii for the first time since 2019; they had also previously competed in this event in 2010, 2005, 1995, and 1991. Still under Jud Heathcote for that first trip to Hawaii, MSU won the trophy in ‘91, but have not had that same success yet in Izzo’s five trips. This year’s event also marks its return to Maui after being played in Oahu last year due to the devastation caused to Maui by wildfires.
The other seven teams in this year’s showcase are #2 UConn, #4 Auburn, #10 North Carolina, Memphis, Iowa State, Dayton, and MSU’s opponent in the opener, Colorado.
GAME 1
Who: Michigan State vs. Colorado
When: Monday, November 25 @ 5 PM EST
TV; ESPN2
Quick Facts: Colorado comes into the opener with a 4-0 record on the season. They have beaten a murderer’s row of opponents including Eastern Washington, Northern Colorado, Fullerton, and Harvard. The Buffaloes are led by interior players Andrej Jakimovski (from Macedonia) and Elijah Malone (from Indiana), both seniors who are averaging over 14 PPG and 5 RPG. Trevor Baskin is contributing 10 points and a team-leading 7 rebounds per game, while Javon Ruffin and Julian Hammond, the guards, help out with 3.0 and 3.5 assists per contest, respectively.
There are a number of players on Colorado’s team that can sink the triple, and as a team they are shooting 40.2% from deep. On the flip side, they commit 17 turnovers per outing, amongst the worst in the nation. If MSU can continue the Buffs’ trend of coughing it up, that will allow us to get into our preferred pace and run out to some easy buckets.
O’s Prediction: MSU wins 78-65
GAME 2
Who: Michigan State vs. UConn/Memphis
When: Tuesday, November 26 @ 6 PM EST (if win game 1) or 3:30 PM EST (if lose game 1)
TV: ESPN (if win game 1) or ESPN2 (if lose game 1)
Quick Facts: We are probably playing the back-to-back defending champions in our second game, assuming we both win our openers. The #2 team in the country is also 4-0 coming into Hawaii, but like Colorado, they have not played anyone serious. Accordingly, they are scoring 88.8 PPG, led by Alex Karaban (16.3), Solo Ball (13.5), and Liam McNeely (13.5). And their center, 6’10” Tarris Reed Jr., is averaging a double-double in under 20 minutes a game.
If something funky happens on Monday and we end up playing Memphis, we will have another opponent with a 4-0 record and some excellent players on its roster. Unlike the other two teams discussed thus far, Memphis has actually played against a team from a major conference, having beaten Missouri in their opener, 83-75. Perhaps the most recognizable name on the Tigers, and certainly the awesomest name, is Dain Dainja, a senior forward who played for Illinois the last two seasons. On his new squad, Dainja is averaging 10 points and 7 boards per game. But this team if fueled by its perimeter players; PJ Haggerty is scoring 22.5 PPG, while Tyrese Hunter adds 13.3 and Colby Rogers puts in 11. Those three guards all play over 30 minutes per game and have solid percentages from deep and from the stripe.
O’s Prediction: MSU has played a tough opponent this year and the Huskies have not, and that will help us in this battle. MSU beats UConn 76-71.
GAME 3
Who: Michigan State vs. Auburn/Iowa State/Dayton/North Carolina
When: Wednesday, November 27 @ 5 PM (if championship game), 9:30 PM (3rd place game), 2:30 PM (5th place game), or Noon (7th place game)
TV: ESPN (Championship and 5th place games) or ESPN2 (3rd and 7th place games)
Quick Facts: All of these teams are undefeated except North Carolina, who also has a loss to Kansas.
O’s Prediction: We will be in the championship game against Auburn. There will be at least one reference by the announcers that Auburn’s QB used to play at MSU. MSU will win a very physical contest, 69-67. Tom Izzo collects that elusive Hawaiian hardware.