University of Washington Huskies roll to title
University of Washington's Vivian Lu is hugged by a teammate after her tournament-tying birdie on the final hole Wednesday.
By MATTHEW THAYER
Led by co-medalist Vivian Lu, University of Washington won the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational women's collegiate golf tournament hosted by the University of Hawaii this week at the Royal Kaanapali Course on Maui.
Lu drained a 6-foot birdie putt on her final hole of the three-day, 54-hole tournament to tie Gonzaga University's Grace Lee for the individual crown at 11-under par. University of Washington posted a 19-under total to run away with team honors. Sacramento State was second at 8-under and Oregon State University took third at 7-under. Host University of Hawaii finished 16th out of 17 teams at 37-over. Denver's Emma Bryant and Oregon State's Kyra Ly tied for third at 7-under.
Individual co-champions Vivian Lu of the University of Washington (left) and Gonzaga University's Grace Lee pose with the winner's trophy Wednesday. The pair had to work out who got the trophy and who had to wait to receive a duplicate in the mail.
Co-champs Lu and Lee entered the final day of the tourney tied for the lead at 9-under. Playing bogey-free, Lee carded 16 pars and a pair of birdies, the last on her 14th hole, to hold a one-shot margin at 2-under going into the final hole. Lu was in the midst of an up-and-down round with four bogeys and five birdies as she headed into her last hole, the Royal's par-5 18th. Knowing she needed a birdie to have a chance, Lu played position golf along the lagoon lining the length of the 18th fairway's right side. Laying up to the middle of the fairway about 100 yards from the pin, she knocked her chip pin-high. Her 6-foot birdie putt broke a few inches left before settling into the middle of the cup for the tie.
University of Washington players and head coach Mary Lou Mulflur pose with the Dr. Donnis Thompson championship trophy Wednesday on the Kaanapali Royal Course's 18th green.
The tourney honors Thompson, who was University of Hawaii at Manoa's first female athletic director and founder of the Rainbow Wahine.
Denver's Haven Ward blasts from a bunker on the Kaanapali Royal Course's 5th hole Wednesday.
Montana State's Becca Tschetter gets a high-five from playing partner Maya Benita of San Diego State after her hole-in-one on the Kaanapali Royal Course's 17th hole during Wednesday's final round. Her ace was one of two on Wednesday. The other, by University of Washington's Kennedy Knox, came on the same 121-yard, par-3 hole over the lagoon.
Tschetter celebrates on the 17th tee after her ace.
University of Washington's Kennedy Knox poses with her hole-in-one flag after acing No. 17 Wednesday.
University of Hawaii head coach Julie Brooks (right) presents the team championship trophy to University of Washington head coach Mary Lou Mulflur. Mulflur has announced she is retiring at the end of the season after 42 years coaching at the university. She also played for the Huskies during her own college career.
Oregon State's Kyra Ly strides off the oceanside green on No. 5 with a birdie Wednesday. She tied for third.
Denver's Emma Bryant follows the flight of her tee shot on No. 7 Wednesday. She tied for third.
Arkansas State head coach M.J. Desbiens Shaw (right) gives golfer Morgan Beaulieu a high-five after her tee shot on No. 15 Wednesday.
University of Hawaii's Varnika Achanta watches her sand shot on No. 5 settle near the cup Monday.
University of Hawaii's Emiko Sverduk chips to the second green Wednesday.
University of Hawaii's Wendy Song chips to the green on No. 6 Monday. She shot an opening-round, four-under-par 68 to be tied for the lead going into round two. She finished tied for 46th at 6-over.
Sam Houston's Cari Denson watches her birdie putt on No. 6 fall into the cup on No. 6 Monday.
Sacramento State's Caitlin Maurice tees off on No. 14. Maurice posted four eagles in her first two rounds on her way to tying for ninth place at 3-under.
UC-Riverside's Gabrielle Kiger escapes a trap guarding the green on No. 6 Monday.
Gonzaga University's Grace Lee tees off on No. 14 Wednesday. She went on to tie for medalist honors.
University of Washington's Athena Ni putts on No. 6 Wednesday.
Co-champ Lu tees off on No. 7 Wednesday.
Matsuyama wins The Sentry going away
Hideki Matsuyama hoists The Sentry champion's trophy Sunday afternoon on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green.
By MATTHEW THAYER
Hideki Matsuyama put proof to the old saying, "Beware the injured golfer," as he shook off a lingering illness and sores in his mouth that made it hard to talk, to stamp his name in the PGA Tour record book with a dominating win at The Sentry Sunday.
Crafting an eight-under-par 65 in shifting winds over the final round at the Kapalua Plantation Course, his 35-under-par total set a new PGA Tour record score in relation to par. Cameron Smith set the previous record while winning the 2022 Sentry title at 34-under on the par-73 Plantation Course. Matsuyama also set a PGA record for birdies in a 72-hole tournament with 35. His steady birdie barrage was too much for weekend playing partner Collin Morikawa, who shot 67 Sunday for 32-under and solo second place. Sungjae Im finished third at 29-under.
Matsuyama pumps his fist as his birdie putt on No. 18 drops into the cup Sunday.
In his post-round press conference Sunday, Matsuyama was asked about his on-course conversations with caddie Shota Hayafuji, and he revealed he has been so under the weather speaking has been difficult.
"You know, I actually wasn't feeling too well this week, and so I was really just focused on what I needed to do, so I really didn't speak much, so there's nothing that I can remember that comes to mind.
"In December I was kind of ill, and kind of, I thought I was better coming into this tournament, I had a couple sores in my mouth, so it was hard for me to speak this week, so that's what I had coming in."
Matsuyama pats caddie Shota Hayafuji on the back after their win Sunday.
At the conclusion of an epic weekend head-to-head battle on the Kapalua Plantation Course, The Sentry winner Hideki Matsuyama (right) shakes hands with runner-up Collin Morikawa Sunday afternoon.
Though he said the illness limited his practice time, you couldn't tell by the way he played, posting scores of 65, 65, 62, 65 over his four rounds. For the 32-year-old Japanese pro, it was his 11th PGA Tour win in 265 starts. He won the Sony Open on Oahu in 2022, and is now one of seven players to win both Hawaii events, joining Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, Justin Thomas and Smith.
Morikawa said he felt like he left some shots and opportunities on the course, but could not take anything away from Matsuyama's play, especially his chip-in for eagle from 105 yards on the third hole Sunday.
Morikawa putts on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green Sunday afternoon.
"Yeah, excuse my language, but 35-under par is, that's low," Morikawa said. "I mean, he was matching me yesterday shot for shot, and I felt like I was playing lights out, right? Like, yes, you could leave some shots out there, but you shoot 11-under on any golf course, you're going to be happy, right? Today he just never let up. Then you get to the third hole and the guy holes it. I just knew I had to be on top of everything, and just kind of let a few slip on that front nine. Played a good back nine, but to win on a course like this, conditions like this, you got to have it for 72, and I had it for 65."
Matsuyama (left) pounds his drive off the tee on No. 16 as Morikawa looks on Sunday.
Out of the $20 million purse, Matsuyama pocketed $3.6 million, Morikawa earned $2.2 million and third-place Im took home $1.4 million.
Morikawa leads a large Sunday gallery up the No. 15 fairway. The threesome of Morikawa, eventual winner Hideki Matsuyama and Thomas Detry had the largest crowd all day long as golf fans followed their play on the hilly Kapalua Plantation Course.
Belgian pro Thomas Detry gets off to a rough start Sunday as he sand shot on No. 2 carroms sideways off the lip of the trap set up a double bogey.
Jhonattan Vegas tees off on No. 10 Sunday. Vegas finished fourth at 25-under, good for $975,000.
Morikawa chips on No. 13 Sunday.
Sungjae Im follows through on his drive off the 10th hole Sunday. Im finished third at 29 under par to win $1.4 million.
Two crowd favorites top crowded Kapalua leaderboard
Second-round leader Hideki Matsuyama follows through on his drive on the uphill fourth hole Friday.
By Matthew Thayer
Two crowd favorites who have played well through the years at the Kapalua Plantation Course without capturing a win, Hideki Matsuyama and Collin Morikawa, sit atop the leaderboard halfway through The Sentry PGA Tour season-opening golf tournament.
Matsuyama is alone in first place after posting his second-straight eight-under-par 65 Friday to put him at 16 under. Second place Morikawa matched that 65 to reach 15 under.
Collin Morikawa walks off the Kapalua Plantation Course's ninth green after settling for par. The former Cal Bear shot an eight-under-par 65 and is alone at second place halfway through The Sentry at 15 under.
Those scores were far from dominating as the leaderboard is crowded at the top. Four golfers, Corey Conners, Maverick McNealy, Tom Hoge and Thomas Detry, are tied for third and 14 under. Four pros, Keegan Bradley Harry Hall, Cameron Young and Wyndham Clark, are tied for seventh at 13 under. Another six players are within six shots of the lead.
Offering short answers in his post-round media interview, Matsuyama, a Japanese pro out of Sendai Japan, was asked why he plays well in Hawaii.
Second-round leader Hideki Matsuyama chips to the Kapalua Plantation Course's ninth green Friday. His second-straight eight-under-par 65 put him at 16 under, one shot clear of second-place Collin Morikawa as they head into the weekend of the $20 million PGA Tour golf tournament at the Kapalua Plantation Course.
"You know, obviously the views are beautiful here, I haven't played well here in a while, so it's good to get off to a good start here," he said.
Former University of California Berkeley player Morikawa, whose family roots on Maui date back to a family-owned restaurant on Lahaina's Front Street, said knowing the layout helped him to remain confident during a slow start to the day. He finished Friday's round with five-straight birdies.
Peter Malnati gives an autographed golf ball to volunteer standard bearer Felix Eisenberg, 13, after shooting a nine-under-par 64 Friday. Eisenberg is Maui Junior Golf member and a sixth grader at Kalama Intermediate School.
"Yeah, I mean, when you look at the leaderboard, and I'm through six holes and I'm even par, and guys are lapping the field already," Morikawa said. But like I said, it's not telling myself I got to be patient. I just know this golf course and I know at any point you can kind of go on a little stretch of birdies, and I just had to keep playing my game. The game felt solid enough to shoot a low score and thankfully it came on that back half of the round today."
Morikawa said favorable conditions and low winds mean weekend scores are sure to go low.
Corey Conners (left) shakes hands with playing partner Nico Echavarria after their round Friday. Canadian Conners shot his second-straight 66 and is tied for third at 14 under.
"Yeah, look, I know guys are going to take it low," Morikawa said. "I like to look at leaderboards and I know by the time I start tomorrow, someone's probably going to have the lead, someone else, before Hideki and I go out. But it's just like I said. I feel like from hole one all the way through 18, I can make birdies and with that mindset, it's not about rushing, like, getting to 5-under by 9. If it comes, it comes."
A mirror reflects golf patrons walking the steep uphill path alongside the Kapalua Plantation Course's ninth hole Friday.
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley hits his long approach to No. 9 Friday.
Viktor Hovland lines up a putt on No. 9 green Friday. Visibly limping from a broken toe when he finished his round, the Norwegien pro shot 69 and is tied for 29th at four under.
Tony Finau misses a birdie putt on No. 9 Friday. Finau shot 69 and is tied for 13th place at 10 under par.
Brian Harman hits from the deep rough on his way to posting bogey on No. 18 Friday. He shot 74 and sits alone at 58th place in the 59-player field.
Two-time tournament champion Justin Thomas chips to the ninth hole after his long approach sailed over the green Friday. He finished with a 71 that put him in a tie for 44th place at four under.
No doubt, there's a story that goes with the golf-ball-sized dent in the Sentry signage along the Kapalua Plantation Course's ninth hole Friday.
Belgian pro Thomas Detry tees off on No. 3 Friday. He shot 65 and is part of a four-player tie for third place at 14 under.
Peter Malnati waves to the gallery on No. 18 green after sinking a birdie putt to seal a nine-under-par 64 Friday.
Max Greyserman hits his approach to No. 18 Friday. He shot 67.
New dad leads The Sentry on Maui
The Sentry first-round leader Tom Hoge (left) and playing partner Adam Hadwin converse on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green as they wait to close out their rounds Thursday afternoon. Hoge finished with a nine-under-par 64, while Hadwin posted a six-under 67.
By MATTHEW THAYER
New father Tom Hoge, a 35-year-old pro out of Fargo, N.D., made the most of an early tee time to grab the first-round lead of The Sentry PGA golf tournament Thursday at the Kapalua Plantation Course.
Hoge fired a nine-under-par, 64, a score that was good for a one-shot lead over Hideki Matsuyama and Will Zalatoris who both posted 65s. Tied for fourth, two shots behind Hoge going into Friday's second round, are Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa and Corey Conners.
Hideki Matsuyama follows through on the Kapalua Plantation Course's first tee Thursday.
In his press conference following his round, Hoge was asked why he had taken time off recently and he said he and wife Kelly had their first child in December.
"I played all the way through Mexico, first week of November," Hoge said. "Then was just at home, and we had our first child in early December, so kind of forced time off. I feel like with the changes in the schedule, last year was a lot of golf from now until the TOUR Championship, it was cramped in there pretty tight, so I felt like I was pretty burned out at that point, needed a little bit of time away."
Will Zalatoris tees off on the Kapalua Plantation Course's first tee Thursday.
He said the break tempered his Maui hopes.
"Really didn't have much for expectations coming in, because there wasn't a whole lot of play or practice the last few months. But felt like I was putting really well coming into the week."
Cameron Young tosses his ball to his caddie on the No. 18 green Thursday.
Tied for fourth at seven-under 66 are Adam Hadwin, Thomas Detry and Tony Finau. Tied for 10th at six-under are Jhonattan Vegas, Harry Hall, Aaron Rai, Austin Eckroat, Maverick McNealy and Adam Scott.
The 72-hole, $20 million tournament is scheduled to conclude Sunday with the winner taking home a check for $3.6 million. Second place in the 59-member field is good for $2.16 million, while last will garner $50,000. With fair weather and moderate winds predicted, it will likely take a very low score to win. The tournament record was set in 2022 by Cameron Smith, who finished 34 strokes under par after four rounds on the par 73 Plantation Course.
Patrick Cantlay chips to the ninth green Thursday.
Collin Morikawa watches his drive off the first tee Thursday.
The flag on No. 9 flaps in gusting winds Thursday at the Kapalua Plantation Course.
Viktor Hovland limps off the Kapalua Plantation Course's ninth hole with a birdie Thursday. Hovland is navigating the long, hilly course with a broken little toe on his right foot. He reportedly stubbed it on the frame of his Maui hotel bed after waking up groggy from a nap following a long flight from Norway.
Hovland watches his chip on No. 9 land near the cup Thursday. The ball nearly rolled in before settling close to set up a birdie.
The threesome of Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas and Adam Scott reach the Kapalua Plantation Course's first green at the start of their opening round Thursday.
The Sentry first-round leader Tom Hoge walks off the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green with a nine-under-par 64 Thursday afternoon.
Jhonattan Vegas tries to coax his long putt on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green to slow down as it rolls past the cup Thursday.
The island of Molokai provides a backdrop Thursday. Views are muted by volcanic smog or "vog" from erupting Kilauea on the Big Island.
World No. 2 and former tournament champion Xander Schauffele hits his approach shot to the ninth green Thursday.
Beavers, Hurricanes to play for Maui Classic title
Oregon State's Kelsey Rees uses a pump fake to get Western Kentucky defenders Josie Gilvin (right) and Zsofia Telegdy in the air in the third quarter Thursday. Rees, who was fouled on the play, scored 13 points in Oregon State's 80-58 win.
By MATTHEW THAYER
Host Oregon State led from start to finish to topple Western Kentucky, 80-58, in the annual Maui Classic women's college basketball tournament's opener Thursday evening at Seabury Hall's Erdman Athletic Center in Olinda. The win moved the Beavers to 4-7 on the year, while the Lady Toppers dropped to 8-2.
In the tourney's other opening-night game, University of Miami rolled past Nevada, 84-53, to improve to 10-1 on the year. Nevada fell to 5-7.
Miami's Natalija Marshall and Nevada's Kendra Hicks battle for rebound position on a first-quarter free throw Thursday.
The victories place Oregon State and Miami in tonight's championship final at Seabury. The championship game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., with consolation play between Nevada and Western Kentucky kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are free for the tournament presented by Vertical Sports Maui, but must be secured online. The stands were packed for both of Thursday's games and there are reportedly few tickets left for today's games.
Oregon State high scorer Catarina Ferreira is fouled by Western Kentucky's Zsofia Telegdy in the third quarter Thursday. Ferreira scored 26 points against the Lady Toppers.
Oregon State, which reached the Elite Eight in last year's NCAA Division I championship tournament, was paced by guard Catarina Ferreira, who poured in 26 points. Backcourt mate Tiara Bolden added 23 and forward Kelsey Rees chipped in 13. Western Kentucky was led by guard Destiny Salary's 21 points.
Miami's Haley Cavinder drives between Nevada's Victoria Davis and Audrey Roden in the first quarter of the Hurricanes' 84-53 win Thursday at Seabury Hall's Erdman Athletic Center. Cavinder scored a game-high 25 points.
Miami's Haley Cavinder, a dynamic 5-foot-6 guard out of Gilbert, Ariz., led her team in points, 25, rebounds, 12, and assists, 7. Nevada's Lexie Givens scored 18 points to lead the Wolf Pack.
(Note: University of Miami defeated Oregon State, 61-56, Friday to win the Maui Classic title. Cavinder scored 20 points and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. In the game for third place, Western Kentucky topped Nevada, 80-70.)
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi members Noelani Deguilmo (foreground) and Ka'iulani Quisaat perform hula to the song "Silent Night" during halftime of Thursday evening's game between Oregon State and Western Kentucky at Erdman Athletic Center.
Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi members Ka'iulani Quisaat (background) and Noelani Deguilmo perform hula to the song "Mele Kalikimaka" during halftime of Thursday evening's game between Oregon State and Western Kentucky at Erdman Athletic Center. Quinsaat is a Seabury Hall senior.
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck stalks the sideline Thursday.
University of Miami head coach Tricia Cullop draws up a first-quarter play for her team Thursday.
Miami's Jasmyne Roberts drives for a first-quarter layup against Nevada in front of a large turnout at Erdman Athletic Center Thursday night.
Oregon State's defense awaits Western Kentucky's Alexis Mead as she dribbles upcourt in the first quarter Thursday.
Oregon State's Tiara Bolden drives past Western Kentucky's Alexis Mead for a second-half basket on her way to scoring 23 points.
Nevada's Audrey Roden is guarded by Miami's Haley Cavinder as she drives in the first quarter Thursday. Roden scored 16 points for the Wolf Pack.
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck talks to his squad during a fourth-quarter timeout Thursday.
Miami's Natalija Marshall drives to score two first-quarter points Thursday against Nevada.
State Champion Warriors
Kamehameha Maui players hoist their school's first state football championship trophy after beating Kaiser, 37-14, Saturday at Mililani.
Story and photos by
Matthew Thayer
The Warriors of Kamehameha Maui rode the arm of quarterback Kolten Waikiki-Caldeira, the legs of running back Zedekaiah Campbell and the heart of a stout, hard-hitting defense to earn their school’s first state football title with a convincing, 37-14, win over Kaiser High School in the First Hawaiian Bank-HHSAA State Football Division II championship game at Mililani High’s John Kauinana Stadium Saturday night on Oahu.
Waikiki-Caldeira passed for three touchdowns, going 8-of-14 for 87 yards. He also scored on a one-yard run. Campbell rushed for 239 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown. Many of those yards came after contact, with Campbell either breaking loose or dragging defenders with him. The defense held Kaiser in check for most of the game apart from two second-quarter touchdown passes from quarterback Caleb Hamasaki to wide receiver Jesse Shinagawa.
Water flies as Kamehameha Maui players celebrate winning their school's first state football championship Saturday at Mililani.
As the game clock ticked down to zero, celebrating players doused head coach Ulima Afoa with a cooler of ice water and squirted bottled water high into the air.
Still wet and smiling after doing his press interviews and heading off to join his family and team, Afoa already seemed to be looking ahead to seasons to come.
“It’s the first state championship that we have in football,” Afoa said. “Hopefully it becomes part of their mindset and they compete and, you know, do the things that you need to in order to be in this position. I think that’s what it’s all about, pushing the school forward.”
Afoa said after Kaiser scored the two late touchdowns to suddenly make what looked like a runaway a close game, the message to his team at halftime was simple.
“Just continue to play,” Afoa said. “You’ve got to let that stuff go.”
Kamehameha Maui quarterback Kolten Waikiki-Caldeira releases a second-quarter touchdown pass. He threw for three scores and ran for another.
Standout junior offensive lineman Pa’u Spencer said the Warriors’ third time in the state championship game proved to be a charm.
“It feels amazing,” Spencer said. “I get to play for my family. I get to play for my brother (Kale Spencer), who got whipped by Kapaa. I get to play for the seniors from last year, that we unfortunately lost to Waimea. I just get to create a legacy.”
Kamehameha Maui's Zedekaiah Campbell takes Kaiser's Zane Shinkawa for a ride.
Campbell said he was still in disbelief over his big night.
“I don’t even know where this came from, I just came out and played, man,” Campbell said. “Big shoutout to my O-line, without them I wouldn’t have even half of these yards.”
Kamehameha Maui receiver Tevyn Apo caught five passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns. Frank Abreu caught a one-yard touchdown pass for the Warriors and Kayden Yap kicked a 38-yard field goal.
Kamehameha Maui's Tevyn Apo hauls in a first-quarter touchdown pass over Kaiser's Kolt Gilpa.
Kamehameha Maui's Tevyn Apo celebrates with teammate Isaiah Lani after catching a first-quarter touchdown pass in Saturday's D-II state championship game at Mililani High School's stadium.
Injured team captain Kaonohi Casco (with hat) gives his teammates a pep talk before the start of the second half Saturday at Mililani.
Kamehameha Maui outstanding offensive lineman Pa’u Spencer leaves the field with a smile after blocking on a touchdown run.
Kamehameha Maui head coach Ulima Afoa is drenched at the end of Saturday's championship win.
Head coach Ulima Afoa and his players bask in their trophy-winning moment.
Kamehameha defense ballhawk Anthony Sardine Jr. looks to the sidelines after his second-half interception.
Kamehameha Maui's Zedekaiah Campbell bowls over Kaiser's Zane Shinkawa.
Kamehameha Maui quarterback Kolten Waikiki-Caldeira releases a second-quarter pass.
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.
A tale of two Tigers
Seven-month-old North Carolina fan, Nina Martin, wears protective headphones while taking in Tuesday night's semifinal game between the Tar Heels and Auburn in noisy Lahaina Civic Center. Her parents said they met at Chapel Hill while attending the University of North Carolina.
By Matthew Thayer
Even before the Maui Invitational championship final starts, it is guaranteed that Tigers will win the title. The only question is, will it be the Tigers from Memphis or the Tigers from Auburn?
Memphis and Auburn punched tickets to the championship game with statement wins over legendary programs Tuesday.
Memphis used its length and athleticism, as well as the outstanding shooting of guard Tyrese Hunter, to defeat Michigan State, 71-63, in the day’s first semifinal game. Hunter scored a game-high 23 points, many of those in the face of a smothering Spartan defense.
Auburn took down North Carolina in the day’s second semifinal, 85-72. The championship game is scheduled to be played Wednesday, Nov. 27, at noon HST.
Memphis' Colby Rogers is guarded closely by Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. as he drives in the second half.
In the consolation bracket, Colorado squeaked by two-time defending National Champion UConn, 73-72, and Iowa State topped Dayton, 89-84. For No. 2 UConn it was the second Maui Invitational loss in a row, sending the Huskies to the seventh-place game against a tough Dayton team with a chance to finish last in the tourney.
Auburn's Johni Broome out-jumps North Carolina's Jalen Washington to win the opening tipoff at the start of their semifinal game at Lahaina Civic Center. Broome scored a game-high 23 points for the Tigers.
Auburn's Tahaad Pettiford drives on North Carolina's Jalen Washington in the first half.
A first-half dunk by Tar Heel Jalen Washington electrifies the North Carolina fans at Lahaina Civic Center Tuesday night.
Ball boy Braxton Kava, 9, spins a ball on his finger during the halftime break in Maui Invitational semifinal game between Memphis and Michigan State. Kava is a third grader at Kamalii Elementary School. His dad said he learned trick only last week.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl exhorts his layer in the first half against North Carolina.
Auburn’s Chad Baker-Mazara shoots over North Carolina’s Seth Trimble.
Memphis center Moussa Cisse throws down a dunk against Michigan State in the first half.
Memphis fans try to put the hex on a Michigan State player as he shoots a foul shot.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway calls out to his players in the second half.
Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. drives for a first-half basket against Memphis.
Lahaina Civic Center is packed for Tuesday's first semifinal game between Memphis and Michigan State. It has been a full house for every game played this year.
Michigan State's Tre Holloman dribbles upcourt against Memphis.
Memphis guard Tyrese Hunter drives in front of Michigan State's Carson Cooper in the first half. Hunter poured in 23 points to lead his team in scoring as the Tigers defeated the Spartans, 71-63, to reach the Maui Invitational championship final.
Iowa State's Keshon Gilbert drives to score a crucial late basket to help seal the Cyclones' 89-84 win over Dayton in the day's second consolation bracket game at Lahaina Civic Center. Gilbert scored a game-high 23 points.
Dayton's Zed Key dunks late in the second quarter against Iowa State to score two of his 15 points.
Memphis Tigers outlast two-time National Champion UConn to kick off Maui Invitational: Day One coverage
Memphis' PJ Haggerty is fouled in overtime as he drives between UConn's Samson Johnson (35) and Liam McNeely.
By Matthew Thayer
Led by head coach Penny Hardaway, a former tournament co-MVP, the Memphis Tigers pulled off an opening round, 99-97, upset in overtime of two-time defending National Champion UConn to highlight the opening day of the Maui Invitational mens college basketball tournament at Lahaina Civic Center.
Hardaway was co-MVP in 1992, sharing the trophy with Duke’s Bobby Hurley, brother of current UConn head coach Dan Hurley. Memphis was led by guard Tyrese Hunter’s 26 points, while Tarris Reed Jr. paced UConn with 22. UConn was ranked No. 2 in the country, while unranked Memphis was not in the Top 25. Hardaway later called the victory the biggest win of his college coaching career.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway looks like he's throwing a shaka while calling out a play against UConn. Hardaway was named co-Tournament MVP with Duke’s Bobby Hurley when he played in the tourney in 1992 for the Tigers.
This year’s Maui Invitational marks a return to Lahaina Civic Center after the tourney was moved to Oahu last year in the wake of Lahaina’s devastating wildfires that destroyed much of the town, claimed 102 lives and displaced 10,000 people.
In other games: No. 25 Michigan State thumped unranked Colorado, 72-56; No. 4 Auburn roared back to beat No. 5 Iowa State on tip-in rebound with seconds to go; No. 12 North Carolina rallied in the second half to beat Dayton in a nail-biter, 92-90. It was the second-largest comeback in the storied program’s history. Memphis and Michigan State are set to play in one semifinal Tuesday, while North Carolina will meet Auburn in the other. The two winners of those games will clash in the championship final scheduled to be played Wednesday, starting at noon HST at Lahaina Civic Center.
Memphis' Colby Rogers shoots a three-pointer to tie UConn in overtime and set his team up for the upset, 99-97, opening-round win.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley argues a call Monday.
UConn's Solo Ball drives for a first-half basket against Memphis.
UConn's Jayden Ross (23) and Solo Ball celebrate after Ball's three-point shot to force overtime against Memphis.
UConn's Alex Karaban shoots over Moussa Cisse of Memphis.
Memphis forward Nicholas Jourdain dunks against UConn in the first half.
Memphis players celebrate their 99-97, overtime win over two-time defending national champion UConn Huskies Monday in the opening game of the Maui Invitational mens college basketball tournament at Lahaina Civic Center.
North Carolina's RJ Davis gathers himself before shooting the game-winning free throws with 4.3 seconds left against Dayton Monday. Davis scored 30 points to lead his team in scoring.
North Carolina fans celebrate as their team roars back to take the lead late in the second half against Dayton.
Dayton's Malachi Smith is fouled by North Carolina's Ian Jackson in the first half.
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis shouts to his team in the first half of Monday's game against Dayton.
North Carolina's Seth Trimble lays in a first-half basket.
North Carolina's Elliot Cadeau slips while driving against Dayton's Javon Bennett.
Dayton's Isaac Jack and North Carolina's Jalen Washington battle for position.
Michigan State fan Todd Szkotnicki wears a turkey hat as he roots for the Spartans in their game against Colorado.
Legendary Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo talks to a referee during Monday's opening round, 72-56 win over Colorado.
Michigan State's Carson Cooper (15) battels for rebound position with Colorado's Assane Diop.
Michigan State's Szymon Zapala grabs a first-half rebound over Colorado's Elijah Moore.
Colorado's Julian Hammond III drives against Michigan State's Tre Holloman.
Dancers from the Sheraton Maui Nui Luau of Tihati Productions perform during halftime of Monday's game between Michigan State and Colorado.
Auburn's Johni Broome follows through on a first-half shot over Iowa State's Dishon Jackson. Broome led Auburn in scoring with 22 points.
Iowa State's Nojus Indrusaitis goes to the floor after being fouled in the first half of the Cyclones' opening-round game against Auburn.
Iowa State's Dishon Jackson is pumped up after dunking against Auburn's Dylan Cardwell and JP Pegues in the first half.
Iowa State's Curtis Jones is defended by Auburn's Miles Kelly.
Kamehameha Maui dominates Roosevelt to reach state title game
Kamehameha Maui's Zedekaiah Campbell (right) tosses the ball to an official after scoring on a 48-yard first-quarter touchdown run against Roosevelt in Saturday night's 60-26 win over Roosevelt High School in the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA state semifinal playoff game at Kanaiaupuni Stadium. The victory clinched a berth in the state Division II championship game against Kaiser set for Saturday on Oahu. Campbell scored two touchdowns in the game.
By Matthew Thayer
The Warriors of Kamehameha Schools Maui punched their ticket to another First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships Division II championship game with a convincing 60-26 win over visiting Roosevelt High School Saturday night at Kanaiaupuni Stadium in Pukalani.
Kamehameha Maui dominated the game, scoring touchdowns on a blocked punt, two long kickoff returns, two touchdown runs and an interception return. Kamehameha outgained Roosevelt 242 yards to 23 on the ground. Forced to pass early and often, the Roughriders had 370 yards passing to Kamehameha's 12. Kaikea Hueu had 124 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Warriors, while teammate Zedekaiah Campbell chipped in with 121 yards and two TDs.
The top-seeded Warriors are scheduled to play Kaiser High School, which won Saturday's other D-II semifinal, 16-13, over Kauai at Vidinha Stadium on Kauai. The title game is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at Mililani's John Kauinana Stadium on Oahu. Kamehameha Maui played in last year's D-II final, losing a heartbreaker to Waimea, 31-28.
Kamehameha Maui's Kaikea Hueu celebrates with teammate Isaiah Lani after scoring on 44-yard run in the third quarter Saturday against Roosevelt.
Roosevelt wide receiver Keawe Davis leaps to haul in a third-quarter pass over Kamehameha Maui's Keanu Lanoza. Davis caught three touchdown passes in the game. He had 12 receptions for 178 yards.
Kamehameha Maui's Ramzen Fruean blocks a pass by Roosevelt quarterback Kaeo Bush.
Kamehameha Maui kicker Kayden Yap attempts a 33-yard field goal out of the hold of Kolt Kahoohanohano in the third quarter.
Kamehameha Maui kicker Kayden Yap joins holder Kolt Kahoohanohano in watching his 33-yard field goal split the uprights in the third quarter. He also converted a 45-yard attempt in the first quarter.
Kamehameha Maui standout offensive linemen Pau Spencer is pumped up after teammate Kayden Yap kicked a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Kamehameha Maui head coach Ulima Afoa talks to his team after the final whistle of Saturday's 60-26 win over Roosevelt.
Kamehameha Maui's Kaiwa Ho blocks a punt in the end zone by Roosevelt's Ioane Kamanao early in the first quarter to set the tone for Saturday's state semi-final playoff game. The ball was recovered by the Warriors' Anthony Sardine Jr. for a touchdown.
Official Lionel Montalvo signals touchdown after Kamehameha Maui's Anthony Sardine Jr. (12) pounced on a blocked punt in the end zone in the first quarter. The Roosevelt High punt was blocked by Kamehameha Maui's Kaiwa Ho.
Kamehameha Maui assistant coach Kevin O'Brien praises the special teams unit after it stopped a punt from rolling into the end zone to pin Roosevelt on its own goal line in the first quarter. Four plays later, a blocked punt by the Warriors scored the game's first TD.
Kamehameha Maui's Zedekaiah Campbell celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 48-yard first-quarter touchdown run.
Kamehameha Maui's Tevyn Apo is cheered by the sold-out crowd as he scores on a 90-yard kickoff return to start the third quarter Saturday. He also scored on an 89-yard kickoff return in the second quarter.
Kamehameha Schools Maui's marching band leads the football team onto the field before the start of Saturday's game.
Roosevelt quarterback Kaeo Bush is sent flying by Kamehameha Maui defenders Titus Joaquin (left) and Rusty Ako-Nataniela after releasing a first-quarter pass.
Kaanapali Classic
Oklahoma Sooners dominate mens college golf tourney hosted by University of Hawaii
University of North Florida's Filippo Serra hits from a trap on the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course’s 5th hole while playing in the Kaanapali Classic. Additional photo captions are located at the bottom of the page.
Photos by Matthew Thayer
University of Oklahoma redshirt senior Jaxson Dowell drained a long breaking putt on his final hole to win the Kaanapali Classic Collegiate Invitational on the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course earlier this month.
After a day of trading the lead with teammates Clark Van Gaalen and Jase Summy, as well as several other golfers in the tough field, Dowell's bomb on the Royal's par-three 17th sealed the first victory of his college career with a three-round score of 17-under-par 196. Van Gaalen finished a shot back in second and University of Colorado's Dylan McDermott was third, alone at 15-under.
Oklahoma won its third-straight Kaanapali Classic team title and fifth crown on Maui overall. In a testament to the Sooners' depth, Dowell and Van Gaalen were playing as individuals and their totals did not count toward the team score. Summy finished in sixth place at 13 under and teammates Matthew Troutman and Asher Whitaker tied for 12th to fuel the team title. Colorado finished second, University of Kansas was third, Indiana University fourth, LSU fifth and University of Georgia and Texas Christian University tied for sixth.
Photo Captions (from top):
Jaxson Dowell pumps his fist as his birdie putt on the final drops to give him the Kaanapali Classic victory earlier this month.
Winner Jaxson Dowell gets a hug from mom, Christy Dowell, after his winning putt on the final hole.
University of Hawaii mens golf head coach Scott Simpson congratulates winner Jaxson Dowell after his round on the Royal Kaanapali. Simpson won back-to-back NCAA individual championship titles, 1976-77, and seven times on the PGA Tour, including the 1987 U.S. Open.
University of Hawaii's Anson Cabello chips to the Royal's No. 5 hole. Cabello is a 2023 graduate of Kamehameha Maui. He finished tied for 111th at 8-over.
TCU's Toby Wilt watches his chip on No. 5 drop toward the green.
Oklahoma players and coaches throw shakas while posing with the championship trophies on the Royal Kaanapali's 18th green.
Oklahoma's Clark van Gaalen chips to the 9th green. The freshman finished second at 16-under.
Gunner Broin of University of Kansas escapes a trap on the Royal's 9th hole. He finished tied for eighth at 11-under.
U.C. Irvine's Jason Tang knocked in a hole in one on the Royal's par 3, 185-yard 8th hole in the opening round.
Oklahoma's Matthew Troutman tees off on the No. 7.
Oklahoma's Jase Summy tries to scramble after landing in thick rough at the edge of the lake fronting the 17th green and being forced to take a penalty stroke. He dropped from a three-way tie for the lead with two holes to go, to a sixth-place finish.
Colorado's Dylan McDermott follows the flight of this drive off the 6th tee. He finished third at 15-under.
University of Colorado's Justin Biwer blasts out of a trap on the Royal Kaanapali's 5th green. He finished tied for eighth at 11-under.