No. 4 Auburn triumphed over Memphis with a decisive 90-76 victory, claiming the Maui Invitational championship on Wednesday. Johni Broome was the standout player, contributing 21 points and securing 16 rebounds in a commanding performance.
Auburn (7-0) surged ahead early in the game, initiating a 9-0 run that was sparked by Broome’s 3-pointer just 22 seconds after the tip-off.
By halftime, Broome had already tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds. He concluded the night shooting 8-of-15 from the field, along with six assists and four blocks, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Dylan Cardwell also made a significant impact, going a perfect 8-of-8 from the field for a total of 18 points. Chad Baker-Mazara contributed 14 points, while Denver Jones added 11 points, solidifying Auburn’s offensive strength.
On the Memphis side, PJ Haggerty led his team with 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting, and Dain Dainja supported with 15 points. Despite their efforts, Memphis (6-1) struggled to keep pace with Auburn, who maintained a commanding 47-31 lead at halftime and extended their advantage to 22 points with just four minutes remaining.
Takeaways
For Memphis, senior guard Tyrese Hunter, an All-AAC preseason first-team selection, faced a challenging game, scoring only 11 points after a strong semifinal performance where he netted 23 points against Michigan State. Hunter did not register his first points until the 16:32 mark of the second half against Auburn.
Auburn’s victory is particularly significant as they join an elite group; only two SEC teams have previously won the Maui Invitational in its 40-year history. Auburn now stands alongside Vanderbilt (1986) and Kentucky (1993) as champions of this prestigious tournament.
Key moment
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Auburn capitalized on consecutive 3-pointers from Broome and JP Pegues. Both shots were set up by offensive rebounds from Cardwell. Following Broome’s 3-pointer from the right wing, Auburn forced a turnover, leading to Pegues’ successful shot from the left wing, extending their lead to 39-19 with 4:33 left in the first half.
Key stat
Auburn’s efficiency was highlighted by their impressive 23 assists against only nine turnovers, showcasing their teamwork and ball movement throughout the game.
Up next
Both teams will return to action on Wednesday. Memphis will host Louisiana Tech, while Auburn will face a tough challenge as they visit No. 11 Duke.
