Arizona State vs Texas: A Maui Invitational Showdown Under the Hawaiian Stars

The serene beaches of Maui will give way to the intensity of high-level college basketball when the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1) face off against the Texas Longhorns (4-1) in the final game of the opening day at the prestigious Maui Invitational. As the clock strikes 11:30 PM ET on Monday, November 24, 2025, the Lahaina Civic Center will become the stage for what promises to be a compelling battle between two teams finding their rhythm early in the season. With ESPN2 broadcasting and Fubo offering streaming options, basketball enthusiasts nationwide will have the opportunity to witness this late-night showdown that could set the tone for both programs’ tournament runs.

Arizona State enters the tournament with growing confidence after securing back-to-back victories, including an impressive road win against Hawaii just days before. The Sun Devils have shown resilience and adaptability, evidenced by their second-half comeback against Hawaii after trailing at halftime. Their success has been fueled by a collection of impact transfers who have quickly established themselves as core contributors. Toledo transfer Bryce Ford has emerged as a scoring threat, pouring in 20 points in their most recent outing. Meanwhile, Pepperdine’s Moe Odum has proven to be a well-rounded guard, contributing 15 points while facilitating for others with six assists. Perhaps most intriguing has been the bench production from University of the Cumberlands transfer Anthony Johnson, who provided 16 points of offensive firepower when called upon. This transfer-heavy approach has given the Sun Devils a unique identity as they continue to build chemistry.

The Texas Longhorns arrive in Maui with momentum of their own, having strung together four consecutive victories after dropping their season opener to perennial powerhouse Duke. Their dominance was on full display in their most recent contest, a 99-65 dismantling of Rider that showcased both their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Similar to their opponents, the Longhorns have relied heavily on transfer talent to reshape their roster. Xavier transfer Dailyn Swain has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 26 points in an efficient 26 minutes of action against Rider. The scoring burden has been well-distributed, with Purdue transfer Camden Heide and Florida Atlantic transfer Matas Vokietaitis each contributing 20 points in the same game. Perhaps most impressively, Texas has shown commitment on the defensive end, holding Rider to a mere 33.9% shooting while their offense flowed with ease. This balance of offensive production and defensive tenacity makes them a formidable opponent.

The stakes of this matchup extend beyond just a single victory, as the tournament format means the winner will advance to face either Washington State or tournament host Chaminade on Tuesday night, while the loser will be relegated to the consolation bracket. This creates an immediate sense of urgency for both teams, who undoubtedly arrived in Maui with aspirations of making a deep run in this prestigious early-season tournament. History slightly favors the Longhorns, who hold a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series between these programs. Their last encounter came in a dramatic second-round NCAA Tournament game in 2014, where Texas emerged with a narrow 87-85 victory in Milwaukee. That contest’s razor-thin margin suggests fans could be in for another competitive affair when these programs renew their rivalry on the island.

The matchup features several compelling storylines beyond the basic team dynamics. Both programs have embraced the transfer portal era of college basketball, rebuilding their rosters with experienced players who have already proven themselves at other institutions. This approach has created teams with immediate chemistry challenges but tremendous upside if the pieces fit together. The coaching battle will also be fascinating, as both staffs have shown the ability to integrate diverse talent quickly and put players in positions to succeed. Additionally, the late tip-time creates a unique environment, with players competing well into the night in Hawaii while fans across the mainland stay up to watch the action unfold in paradise.

For basketball purists and casual fans alike, this late-night contest represents college basketball at its finest – two talented teams competing on a neutral floor in one of the sport’s most beloved early-season tournaments. The combination of skilled transfers, coaching acumen, and tournament implications creates the perfect recipe for a memorable contest. As the waves crash on the shores of Maui outside the arena, inside the Lahaina Civic Center, Arizona State and Texas will be crashing into each other with tournament advancement on the line. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your living room or streaming on the go, this matchup promises to deliver the excitement, drama, and competitive fire that makes college basketball so captivating. When the ball tips shortly before midnight Eastern Time, basketball fans would be wise to stay awake for what could be one of the most entertaining games of the season’s opening month.