FOUR GAMES, FOUR ROUTS

The truth of the matter was that the opening day of the Maui Invitational didn't
produce a single exciting game, as all four ended up with runaway scores.

But that could – and should – change today at the Lahaina Civic Center, particularly
in a pair of semifinal games featuring three of the top eight ranked teams in the
country.

Even with reigning national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough sitting out the
game, No. 1 North Carolina romped to a 115-70 win against over-matched
tournament host Chaminade. Danny Green led the way for the Tar Heels with 26
points.

Hansbrough dressed for the game, but was held out for precautionary reasons. He
is suffering from a shin injury and coach Roy Williams didn't want to take any
chances with his ailing big man in a game that UNC was going to dominate from
start to finish.

But Hansbrough will be in the lineup against Oregon in today's 4:30 semi. The
Ducks pulled away after a slow start for a 92-69 win over Alabama as freshman
center Michael Dunigan scored 18 points and Joevan Catron had 17 points and 13
rebounds.

In the 2 p.m. semifinal it will be a showdown between No. 7 Texas and No. 8 Notre
Dame.

The taller, faster and stronger Longhorns overwhelmed Saint Joseph's 68-50.

And Notre Dame had absolutely not problem against rebuilding in-state rival
Indiana. The Fighting Irish eased to an 88-50 win over a team featuring four
freshman as starters and a total of eight first-year players on the roster.

In today's consolation games: St. Jose's meets Indiana at 8:30 and Chaminade
challenges Alabama at 11 a.m.

The tournament runs through Wednesday, with the championship game set for a 5
p.m. tip off.

________________________________________________________________
Sent via the WebMail system at mail.pacificradiogroup.com