Los Angeles, California – In a thrilling match-up at the Maui Invitational, the No. 4 Auburn Tigers triumphed over the Memphis Tigers in a 90-76 victory on Wednesday. The championship game showcased Auburn’s dominance throughout, with a standout performance from Johni Broome who secured a double-double in the first half with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Dylan Cardwell also shone with 18 points, shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor, and six assists, contributing to Auburn’s flawless 7-0 season record.
Memphis, on the other hand, had a formidable journey to the final, including upsets against No. 2 UConn and Michigan State. However, they faced a tough opponent in Auburn, who set the pace early with a 9-0 lead. Despite Memphis’ efforts to close the gap, Auburn continued to extend their lead, culminating in a commanding 47-31 halftime advantage.
Throughout the game, Auburn’s prowess on the offensive boards was evident, capitalizing on 11 rebounds that led to 16 crucial second-chance points. Broome’s leadership on the boards and Cardwell’s efficiency on the floor proved insurmountable for Memphis, who struggled to match Auburn’s scoring power from multiple positions on the court.
In the second half, Memphis found themselves unable to overcome Auburn’s relentless offense and solid defense, with PJ Haggerty leading the charge with 27 points. Despite Haggerty’s efforts, Memphis failed to establish consistent scoring threats beyond him, ultimately falling short against Auburn’s well-rounded performance.
Auburn’s victory at the Maui Invitational marks a historic achievement for the school, securing their first championship in the tournament’s history. Looking ahead, Auburn faces a challenging match-up against No. 11 Duke as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge, while Memphis prepares to host a resilient 7-0 Louisiana Tech team in their next game.