Washington State Stuns Arizona State in High-Stakes Maui Invitational Semifinal

The Washington State Cougars have upset the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Maui Invitational semifinals. The game tipped off Tuesday night at the Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii. The Cougars held off a late surge to secure their spot in the championship game.

This victory is a major statement for Washington State in a premier early-season tournament. It sets up a final matchup against a top opponent. The win also marks a significant moment for the program following the dissolution of the Pac-12.

Cougars Build Lead, Withstand Sun Devil Rally

Washington State established control early in the game. They built a solid halftime lead with efficient shooting and strong defense. Arizona State, a favored team with a strong record, struggled to find consistent offense in the first half.

The Sun Devils mounted a fierce comeback attempt after halftime. Their defense intensified, creating turnovers and fast-break opportunities. However, key plays from Washington State’s lineup down the stretch sealed the victory.

Freshman guard Ace Glass was instrumental for the Cougars. He continued his hot scoring streak from the tournament’s opening round. His composure under pressure was vital in the game’s final minutes.

What This Win Means for Both Programs

For Washington State, this win provides massive momentum. Advancing to the championship of the Maui Invitational brings national attention. It validates the team’s development under Coach David Riley and builds confidence for conference play.

For Arizona State, the loss is a setback but not a disaster. The tournament field is exceptionally strong. The Sun Devils will look to regroup and learn from this experience as they prepare for their own demanding conference schedule.

The result highlights the competitive parity in college basketball this season. A well-executed game plan can lead to an upset on any night. Washington State proved they belong among the nation’s talked-about teams.

This Maui Invitational semifinal victory is a landmark achievement for Washington State basketball. It demonstrates growth and resilience on a national stage. The team now turns its focus to claiming the tournament championship title.

Info at your fingertips

Who will Washington State play in the Maui Invitational final?

Washington State will face the winner of the other semifinal between Seton Hall and USC. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday evening. It will be broadcast on a major ESPN network.

How did Ace Glass perform in the semifinal?

Ace Glass scored a team-high number of points, continuing his breakout tournament performance. His scoring and playmaking were crucial against Arizona State’s defense. He is quickly becoming a focal point of the Cougars’ offense.

What was Arizona State’s record before this loss?

Arizona State entered the game with a 5-1 record. Their only previous loss was a close game against a ranked opponent. This semifinal was their toughest test of the young season so far.

Why is the Maui Invitational so significant?

The Maui Invitational is one of the most prestigious early-season tournaments in college basketball. It annually features a field of top-tier programs. Winning it provides a major resume boost for the NCAA tournament in March.

Where can I watch the championship game?

The Maui Invitational championship game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Tip-off time is set for the evening on Wednesday. Check local listings for the exact broadcast time in your area.