Auburn dances to Maui Invitational title
Celebrating Auburn players break into a hula during the Maui Invitational championship trophy presentation ceremony Wednesday at Lahaina Civic Center.
By Matthew Thayer
The championship final of the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center turned into a dance party for the Auburn Tigers as they waltzed past Memphis, 90-76.
Auburn took control early, leading by as many as 22 points, and cruised to the lopsided win to earn the school its first Maui title. The players were dancing on the sidelines in the closing moments, with head coach Bruce Pearl briefly getting in on the act, and they danced at center court after the final whistle. As the team gathered for a group photo after the trophy presentation, there was even a bit of hula.
Standout center Johni Brome was named the Tournament MVP after scoring 21 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, blocking four shots and handing out six assists.
PJ Haggerty of Memphis was the game’s high scorer with 27 points.
In other games Wednesday: Michigan State outlasted North Carolina, 94-91, in overtime to take third place, Iowa State secured its second tourney win by pounding Colorado, 99-71, and Dayton won the seventh place game over two-time defending National Champion UConn, 85-67. The UConn Huskies entered the tourney ranked No. 2 in the country and left with three losses and a last-place finish in a stacked field at the Maui Invitational.
Auburn players dance after the final whistle of Wednesday's 90-76 win over Memphis in the Maui Invitational championship final at Lahaina Civic Center.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl celebrates with his players in the closing moments of the championship game.
Auburn's Chad Baker-Mazara drives for a second-half basket against Memphis.
Auburn's Johni Broome blocks a first-half shot by Memphis' Dain Dainja. Broome scored 21 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, had four blocks and six assists and was named tournament MVP.
Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford draws a foul as he drives between Memphis' Colby Rogers (left) and Dain Dainja in the second half.
Auburn players and staff pose for a group photo after their championship victory.
Auburn’s Johni Broome (left) and Dylan Cardwell pose with Maui Invitational hardware after their team's 90-76 win over Memphis in Saturday's championship final. Broome holds the MVP trophy and Cardwell the perpetual Wayne Duke Championship Trophy.