Cincinnati Basketball: Previewing the 2022 Maui Invitational field

Cincinnati is set to participate in the upcoming 2022 Maui Invitational alongside some of the nation’s most prominent programs. The 8-team tournament will take place at the Lahaina Civic Center, from November 21-23, as it returns to Maui for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“The Maui Invitational strives to bring the best college basketball teams and talent to the island of Maui and set the precedent for the rest of the season,” tournament chairman Dave Odom said in a press release. “The 2022 field is no exception and we could not be more excited to return to our home and show these teams the magic of Maui.”

Arkansas, Arizona, Cincinnati, Creighton, Louisville, Ohio State, San Diego State, and Texas Tech will headline the 2022 Maui Invitational, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 1, 2021

Cincinnati Basketball: Previewing the 2022 Maui Invitational field

Arizona, Arkansas, Creighton, Louisville Ohio State, San Diego State and Texas Tech will be joining the Bearcats in Maui. Those eight schools have combined for 237 NCAA Tournament appearances, 36 Final Fours and eight national championships. Arizona is the only program that previously won the Maui Invitational.

Cincinnati competed in the illustrious tournament in 2009, pulling off upsets against Vanderbilt and Maryland before falling to Gonzaga 61-59 in the championship game. Yancy Gates, Lance Stephenson and Deonta Vaughn led the way to a second place finish. Arkansas and San Diego State were also the runner-up in 1991 and 2014 respectively.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: DeJon Jarreau #3 of the Houston Cougars defends against David DeJulius #0 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of a game at the Fertitta Center on February 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Despite the close proximity, Cincinnati and Ohio State have only faced off six times in program history. Now there is a chance the in-state schools meet in Maui just before Thanksgiving. While the Bearcats are making their second appearance ever, the Buckeyes are taking part for the fourth time with a third place finish in 1993.

Arkansas, Creighton, Texas Tech and San Diego State are projected to be ranked when the regular season starts and all four teams hope to contend for the championship. Creighton and Texas Tech are traveling to Maui for the first time, while Arkansas, Louisville and San Diego State have appeared on several occasions.