The Boise State men’s basketball team will make its historic debut in the Maui Invitational on March 4, 2024, facing off against the University of Southern California (USC) at 21:00 UTC. This participation marks a significant milestone for the program, which has risen to prominence with three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and 99 wins over the last four years. The match will take place at the renowned Laheina Civic Center and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
Joining Boise State and USC in the tournament are Texas, Arizona State, NC State, Seton Hall, Washington State, and Chaminade. Known as one of the premier early-season tournaments, the Maui Invitational carries a rich tradition in college basketball. Head coach Leon Rice emphasized the importance of the invitation, stating, “They invite programs, not teams, because you have to do it in advance. So if your program is consistently good, then you will get these opportunities.”
Currently, the Broncos hold a record of 4-1, having won four consecutive games since an initial loss to Division II Hawaii Pacific. In contrast, USC remains undefeated after a dramatic buzzer-beater against Troy last Thursday. The structure of the tournament bracket presents Boise State with potential opportunities for marquee wins, as they could face NC State, ranked 19th, and Texas, ranked 41st, following the match against USC, which is currently 24th in the KenPom rankings.
“It’s what you want,” Rice noted about the challenging matchups. “Great teams and great resume opportunities on a neutral court.” The atmosphere at the Lahaina Civic Center is expected to be electric, with nearly 200 family members, friends, and fans of the Broncos making the journey to Maui.
“It’s the greatest,” Rice said, reflecting on the unique setting. “It kind of takes you back, you play in these huge arenas all over the country and all over the world now, and it takes you back to the small gyms where we all started. There’s an appreciation for that.”
The opportunity goes beyond just the games; it represents a chance for the Broncos to showcase their talent on a national stage. While the team plans to enjoy the experience, Rice made it clear that their primary objective is victory. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” he remarked. “But this is not a tourist thing. We’re going to compete.”
Bronco Nation News will provide comprehensive coverage of the event, beginning with the Lithia Ford of Boise Pregame Show, set to air at 19:30 UTC on various platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and X. As the Broncos embark on this exciting journey, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how this rising program performs against some of the best teams in the nation.
