With one of the most intriguing tournament fields in recent years,
the 2011 installment of the EA Sports Maui Invitational promises
to bring us great match-ups, all the way through the
title game on November 23rd.
Quarterfinal #1: Michigan vs Memphis
Expect two sophomore standouts to battle it out during Maui's opening contest. Memphis guard Will Barton is physically gifted and has a unique knack for the game of basketball. Although his decision making can be called into question at times, he will ultimately determine how far Josh Pastner's Tigers go this season. On the other side of the court is the son of the man with the "Killer Crossover", Tim Hardaway Jr. With last year's leading scorer Darius Morris now having to deal with the unfortunate NBA lockout, Hardaway will be the main option this year for Michigan.
Although both sides have shooter who can terrorize opponents from the perimeter, this game will ultimately come down to which star comes up big. Will Barton is the overall more talented player, so Memphis wraps this one up in nail biting fashion.
Memphis def. Michigan 68-63
Quarterfinal 2#: Duke vs Tennessee
Yes, Tennessee has a few freshman to watch out for. The most notable is freshman Josh Richardson. And through two games they are shooting an impressive 49 percent from beyond the arc. However, when you look at Duke's team, and their coach, you tend to forget much of that. Duke's Austin Rivers, in my opinion, is the best freshman in the nation, and maybe the best all-around guard in America, regardless of class. People also tend to look past the versatility of the Blue Devils' Mason Plumlee. The junior is averaging 11 points & 9 rebounds on the young season, and is deceptively athletic.
And, if the talent for whatever insane reason isn't enough to beat Tennessee, then the shooting of Andre Dawkins, Ryan Kelly, Tyler Thornton, and Seth Curry will be.
Duke def. Tennessee 91-75
Quarterfinal #3: UCLA vs Chaminade
Did anyone see the Bruins starting 0-2? Okay, this team may have been a bit overrated in the preseason, but they shouldn't be losing to Middle Tennessee State by 20 points. Despite all of this, and the suspension to Reeves Nelson, they're playing a Division II opponents who should produce virtually no challenge for struggling UCLA.
UCLA def. Chaminade 89-55
Quarterfinal #4: Georgetown vs Kansas
For the first time in a long while, the Hoyas are in a rebuilding stage. With only two seniors on the team, they don't have much in the way of talent to contend for long against Kansas. Thomas Robinson should dominate the rebounding category early and often, while Tyshawn Taylor will hurt the Georgetown defense in a number of ways.
Kansas def. Georgetown 79-68
Semifinal #1: Duke vs Memphis
While Josh Pastner's team may be talented enough to defeat many other opponents, this shouldn't be the case against Coach K's program. Mason Plumlee's length should bother the Tigers, and Austin Rivers has the ability to score at will. Once again, Duke just has too many weapons, and has a deadly arsenal with several shooter who can fill it up from the three point line. Don't expect this game to be a cake walk, but the Devils are just too talented for Pastner's Tigers.
Duke def. Memphis 69-62
Semifinal 2: UCLA vs Kansas
Ben Howland's team isn't playing so-so opponents anymore. They're playing a still talented Kansas team despite all of the Jayhawks' key losses from last season. Although Reeves Nelson should have returned from his suspension by this time, they will most likely be outclassed by Bill Self's team. Robinson plus Taylor simply provide too much of a dynamic duo for a team still searching for its identity to deal with.
Although I expect UCLA to make a bit of a rally during the second half, the Jayhawks still come out on top.
Kansas def. UCLA 71-61
Championship Game: Duke vs Kansas
Basketball fans, old school and new, will want to tune in for this match-up. On one side there's Mike Krzyewski who is now the all-time winningest coach in Division I history. Across the sidelines from him will be Kansas coach Bill Self, who has kept the Jayhawks amongst the nation's elite year after year since arriving on campus in 2003. He also has an AP Coach of the Year Award (2009) and the 2008 National Championship on his resume.
This title game should go back in forth, but Duke's role players & shooters will make the difference in the end. Expect Seth Curry to have a big night (with the defense locked in on Austin Rivers) as well as sharpshooting Tyler Thornton.
Duke takes home the title in a hard fought overtime thriller.
Duke def. Kansas 73-70 to win 2011 EA Sports Maui Invitational
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