College basketball’s Feast Week guide: A loaded Maui Invitational and so much more

Feast Week is not just a time for March Madness. It’s a week full of men’s college basketball featuring top teams in a tournament setting. This is when schools from all over the country travel to neutral sites for multi-team events, or MTEs. Although the stakes are not as high as March Madness, it’s a great opportunity to see which teams are true contenders and which ones still have much to figure out. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to sit on the couch and watch TV during the Thanksgiving holiday, whether that’s to gather with family or escape from them.

There are numerous tournaments during Feast Week, including one of the biggest ever in Hawaii, making it hard to keep track of all the action. Here’s our guide to the most important and interesting Feast Week events:

Maui Invitational
When: Monday through Wednesday; title game 5 p.m. on Wednesday (ESPN)
Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
Why to watch: This tournament has arguably the most loaded field in its history, featuring No. 1 Kansas, No. 2 Purdue, No. 4 Marquette, No. 7 Tennessee, No. 11 Gonzaga, and tradition-rich programs UCLA and Syracuse. Kansas could play Marquette in the second round! National player of the year Zach Edey plus All-Americans Hunter Dickinson and Tyler Kolek in beach clothes! It’s can’t-miss TV.

Battle 4 Atlantis
When: Wednesday through Friday; title game 3:30 p.m. on Friday (ESPN)
Where: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Why to watch: A potential semifinal round of No. 20 North Carolina vs. No. 21 Villanova and Michigan vs. Arkansas would be compelling. Michigan’s better-than-expected start to the season gives this tournament a boost in interest.

Empire Classic
When: Sunday and Monday; title game 7 p.m. on Monday (ESPNU)
Where: New York City
Why to watch: Reigning national champion UConn gets its first real tests of the season, with an opening game against Indiana and a potential title-game showdown against No. 19 Texas. The No. 5 Huskies in Madison Square Garden are always something to see.

ESPN Events Invitational
When: Thursday, Friday and Nov. 26; title game 1 p.m. on Nov. 26 (ESPN)
Where: Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Why to watch: A potential semifinal game between No. 10 Florida Atlantic and No. 13 Texas A&M is awfully enticing. It’s a great chance to see powerhouse matchups between mid-major and Power 6 teams.

These tournaments are just the beginning of Feast Week, with events in the Bahamas, New York City, Las Vegas, San Diego, Florida, California, and more. So, grab your seat and be prepared to overindulge in basketball action!

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.