Complete Release // Tournament Bracket
MAUI, Hawai’i – The University of Dayton will take on Gonzaga University in the first round of the EA SPORTS™ Maui Invitational on Monday, November 25 on ESPN2, it was announced today. The pairings were announced in a special segment on ESPN.com, hosted by Andy Katz.
The Dayton-Gonzaga matchup pits two former Maui champions against each other. Dayton won the EA Sports Maui Invitational in 2003, while Gonzaga took the title in 2009. Syracuse (champs in 1990 and 1998) is the only other former winner in the field. The other three first-round matchups are Cal vs. Arkansas, Syracuse vs. Minnesota, and Baylor vs. Chaminade. The tournament is played Nov. 25-27.
“Playing in Maui with this year’s field is not only exciting but it is going to really help us down the road," Flyer head coach Archie Miller said. "Gonzaga is one of the nation’s best and most consistent programs. Coach Few is outstanding and we know that we will be playing a team that has a Final Four mentality.”
Gonzaga was 32-3 in 2012-13 and was ranked #1 in the final AP rankings before being upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament by Wichita State.
ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will offer live, high-definition television coverage of all 12 Championship Round games. Games will also be broadcast live on the WatchESPN mobile app and WatchESPN.com.
This year’s field has combined for 132 NCAA Tournament appearances, 79 conference championships, 18 Final Fours and three national championships. Four of this year’s participants – Syracuse, Gonzaga, California and Minnesota - won NCAA Tournament games in 2013 and Syracuse earned its fifth Final Four appearance by winning the East Regional. Additionally, Baylor won the 2013 NIT Championship.
“We are excited to have such an outstanding field for the 30th annual EA SPORTS Maui Invitational,” said Dave Odom, Tournament Chairman. “All eight teams have high expectations this year, and we look forward to once again seeing the best early-season tournament competition in Maui.”
The eight Island Teams will be joined in the Opening Games by four newly announced Mainland Teams – Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, Oakland and St. Francis Brooklyn. The Mainland teams will face off against Island Teams in the Opening Games from November 15-19. Dayton will play St. Francis at UD Arena on Nov. 16.
The Mainland teams will then travel to Conway, S.C. to compete in the Regional Games at Coastal Carolina University from November 23-24. The first day of the Regional Games will feature Coastal Carolina vs. St. Francis Brooklyn and Oakland vs. Louisiana, with the two winners/losers playing each other the following day.
For more information on all Tournament matchups, view the full Tournament bracket here.
TICKET INFORMATION
Travel packages that include game tickets to the Championship Round and hotel accommodations are currently available through Oahu Travel, the tournament’s official travel agency (800.826.3822). This is the only way to guarantee your seat to the Tournament, and tickets are selling fast. For more information, please visit www.mauiinvitational.com/travel.
About EA SPORTS
EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world and 2013 marks its thirteenth year as title sponsor of the Maui Invitational. With top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences, EA SPORTS delivers personal access to the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL hockey, NBA JAM, NCAA Football, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR golf, and EA SPORTS Active.
About Tournament Sponsors
Other tournament sponsors include the Maui Visitors Bureau, County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation, Hawaii Tourism Authority, adidas, Geico, and Hawaiian Airlines. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Westin Maui Resort & Spa, all located in the beautiful Ka’anapali Beach Resort area, serve as host hotels.
About Chaminade University
Chaminade University, the only Catholic university in Hawaii, provides a rich educational experience. Chaminade is a place where people grow: professionally, intellectually and spiritually. Chaminade is a sister school of the University of Dayton. The Society of Mary, the Marianists, founded Chaminade University in 1955 (as St. Louis Junior College.) Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers.
About KemperLesnik
KemperLesnik is a sports marketing, events and public relations agency. Ranked by Crain's Chicago Business among Chicago's top PR agencies, KemperLesnik produces integrated communications programs and manages major national events, including the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, the McDonald’s All American Games, the POWERADE Jam Fest and activation for KitchenAid and its PGA of America partnership. KemperLesnik has operated the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational since 1990. For more information, visit www.kemperlesnik.com.
