Texas men’s basketball coach Sean Miller is relishing the experience of the Maui Invitational, despite knowing his team may not leave with a trophy. The Longhorns, who hold a record of 4-2, are set to face tournament host Chaminade with a 2-2 record in a consolation game on Tuesday night, following a narrow one-point loss to Arizona State in the tournament opener.
This marks Miller’s fourth appearance in the Maui Invitational, and notably his first with Texas. He expressed high regard for the tournament, calling it “the best tournament in college basketball of its kind.” Miller emphasized the unique atmosphere, noting the gym’s size, the pleasant weather, and the rich history of the event. “There’s not a player in that tournament that doesn’t recognize and realize all of those who have been in it prior to them,” he reflected, highlighting the honor of competing in such a prestigious setting.
In their first match against Arizona State, the Longhorns had a promising start, leading by 10 points with just over seven minutes to play. However, the Sun Devils mounted a comeback led by Maurice Odum, who scored a staggering 36 points. His crucial three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining sealed the 87-86 victory for Arizona State. Texas saw strong performances from Dailyn Swain, a transfer from Xavier who scored 24 points, and seven-footer Matas Vokietaitis, who contributed 15 points and eight rebounds.
On the other hand, Chaminade is seeking its first victory in the Maui Invitational since defeating Cal in 2017, and just its ninth overall win since the tournament’s inception in 1984. In their opening game against Washington State, the Silverswords held an 11-point halftime lead but ultimately fell 90-85 after a significant second-half run by the Cougars. Kent King led Chaminade’s scoring with 20 points, while teammates Nathan Medina, Roland Banks II, and Brandon Haddock added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
As they prepare to compete, both teams are keen to make their mark in this celebrated tournament. Texas holds a 10-6 all-time record in the Maui Invitational, while Chaminade’s stands at 8-98. The match promises excitement and anticipation, especially as Chaminade seeks to deliver a strong performance on their home turf in beautiful Maui.