Arizona State Surges Past Texas 87-86 in Maui Invitational Thriller

UPDATE: Maurice Odum delivered a stunning performance, scoring a career-high 36 points to lead Arizona State to an exhilarating 87-86 victory over Texas in the Maui Invitational nightcap on November 20, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii.

This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Sun Devils (5-1), who mounted a dramatic comeback in the closing minutes of the game. Odum’s late-game heroics included a go-ahead 3-pointer with just 10 seconds left on the clock, sealing the win for Arizona State.

With the game hanging in the balance, Odum scored seven consecutive points, putting Arizona State ahead 79-78 with less than five minutes remaining. Texas (4-2) fought back valiantly, with Dailyn Swain contributing two crucial baskets, including a layup that briefly gave Texas an 84-82 lead.

As the clock ticked down, Massamba Diop’s crucial basket tied the game at 86-86 with just 59 seconds remaining. After a tense exchange, Odum missed a 3-pointer but quickly regained possession, hitting a clutch shot from beyond the arc to secure Arizona State’s lead, demonstrating his resilience in high-pressure moments.

“I just focused on the moment and trusted my shot,” Odum said after the game.

Odum’s performance was complemented by Anthony Johnson, who added 17 points off the bench. Arizona State had a strong offensive showing, with Odum and Johnson accounting for an astonishing 73.5% of the team’s scoring.

For Texas, Dailyn Swain emerged as the standout player with 24 points. Despite shooting well from the field (10 of 14), he struggled at the free-throw line, making only 3 of 6. Matas Vokietaitis contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, while Tramon Mark added 11 points.

The victory not only showcases Arizona State’s tenacity but also sets the stage for their next challenge against Chaminade on November 21, 2023. Meanwhile, Texas will look to rebound against Washington State on the same day.

This thrilling matchup underscores the high stakes of the Maui Invitational, where teams are vying for early-season momentum. Fans can expect more intense action in the coming days as the tournament unfolds.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Maui Invitational and all the latest in college basketball as the season progresses.