How to watch the 2024 Maui Invitational: Michigan State vs. North Carolina – NCAA Men’s Basketball | Channel, start time, preview

On By Littum

MAUI — After a disappointing loss, the Michigan State Spartans hope to at least earn a third-place finish at the Maui Invitational, although it won’t be easy when they face the North Carolina Tar Heels.

It looks like the Maui Invitational continues to be the city full of upsets. After Memphis beat UConn in the opening round, they were able to bounce back and beat Michigan State with a convincing effort. Then, in the semifinals, ranked North Carolina was unable to keep up with Auburn, losing 85-72.

While the championship game on the island will be entertaining, a matchup between a pair of blue bloods is set for the consolation game between the Spartans and Tar Heels.

This will be Michigan State’s second game against a ranked opponent this season. Their first came in Atlanta a few weeks ago, where they lost to Kansas No. 1 in a tough fight. MSU bounced back by winning three straight games, including a solid win over Colorado on Monday. An upset win on Wednesday would give the team its best finish in Maui since their third-place finish in 2010.

North Carolina is in its ninth appearance in the Maui Invitational, second only to Chaminade. It is the first time in the program’s last three trips to Hawaii that they have not reached the final game, losing to Texas in 2020 after winning it all in 2016. UNC also has a loss to Kansas on its record this year.

The Tar Heels are 6-3 against the Spartans, including beating MSU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last March.

Read more MSU stories at MLive.com

2024 MAUI INVITATIONAL

Michigan State Spartans (5-2) vs. #12 North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2)

When: Wednesday, November 27

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Where: Lahaina Civic Center (Maui, Hawaii)

Channel: ESPN2

Current: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream

View the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings here