BYU vs Miami Thanksgiving Showdown Ignites ESPN Events Invitational

The No. 9 BYU Cougars faced the Miami Hurricanes in a rare Thanksgiving holiday clash. The game tipped off at 5 p.m. ET on November 27 in Kissimmee, Florida. This marked the first meeting between these two programs in over 36 years.

It was a featured matchup in the ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House. Both teams entered with strong early-season records, setting the stage for a high-stakes tournament battle.

A Rivalry Renewed After Decades Apart

The BYU vs Miami game was only the fifth meeting all-time. Their last contest was on February 4, 1989. BYU held a narrow 2-2 edge in the series history coming into this game.

The long gap between games saw massive changes for both schools. BYU now competes in the tough Big 12 Conference. Miami remains a staple of Atlantic Coast Conference basketball.

This Thanksgiving matchup provided a unique non-conference test. According to ESPN broadcast details, the game was a key part of the tournament’s Magic Bracket.

Breaking Down the Team Dynamics and Coaches

BYU was led by second-year coach Kevin Young. The Cougars boasted a top-10 ranking and an explosive offense averaging over 87 points per game. Their defense was equally stout, allowing under 69 points.

Miami was under the new leadership of first-year head coach Jai Lucas. The 36-year-old coach, formerly of Duke, implemented a new system focused on defense. The Hurricanes started the season 5-1 with a potent offensive attack of their own.

The contrast in coaching experience added intrigue. Young’s established system faced Lucas’s emerging philosophy on a neutral court.

Tournament Implications and What Came Next

The ESPN Events Invitational format meant this was just the first step. The winner would advance to face either Dayton or Georgetown the following day. A loss would send a team to the consolation side of the bracket.

For BYU, a win protected their high ranking and built NCAA tournament resume. For Miami, a victory over a top-10 team would be a signature moment for Coach Lucas’s new era.

The tournament’s history added pressure. Florida won the previous year’s event in dominant fashion.

This BYU vs Miami showdown proved that holiday tournaments can deliver must-watch basketball between unlikely rivals, reshaping narratives for the season ahead.

Info at your fingertips

When did BYU and Miami last play each other before this?

The teams last met on February 4, 1989. That game was played in Coral Gables, Florida. Over three and a half decades passed before this Thanksgiving matchup.

What were the records and rankings for each team?

BYU entered the game with a 4-1 record and a No. 9 national ranking. Miami came in with a 5-1 record but was unranked in the AP Top 25 poll at the time.

Who are the head coaches for BYU and Miami?

Kevin Young is the head coach for BYU, now in his second season. Jai Lucas is the first-year head coach for the Miami Hurricanes, taking over the program in March 2025.

Where was the ESPN Events Invitational held?

The tournament was held at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida. The venue is located within the Walt Disney World Resort complex.

Why is this tournament game important for both teams?

For BYU, it was a chance to solidify their top-10 status with a quality win. For Miami, it was an opportunity for a program-defining victory under their new coach against a ranked opponent.