EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon will return to the Maui Jim Maui Invitational next year. The tournament announced the 2021 field on Friday. The Ducks, Butler, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Saint Mary’s, Texas A&M, Wisconsin and host Chaminade will play in the 38th annual invitational, which will be contested Nov. 22-24 at the historic Lahaina Civic Center on the island of Maui. This will be Oregon’s third appearance in the Maui Invitational. The Ducks went 2-1 in the 2016 event, losing an opening round game to Georgetown, 65-61, before reeling off wins over Tennessee (69-65, overtime) and Connecticut (79-69). That 2016-17 Oregon team ended up advancing to the NCAA Final Four. Oregon also played in the 2008 Maui Invitational, defeating Alabama 92-69 before falling to North Carolina (98-69) and Texas (70-57). “The Maui Jim Maui Invitational strives to bring the best college basketball teams and talent to the island of Maui year after year,” said tournament chairman Dave Odom. “The 2021 field is no exception, and we are extremely excited to welcome these teams to the Lahaina Civic Center.” The Ducks and Houston played both of the last two seasons with each team winning on its home court. The Cougars are also scheduled to visit Eugene during the 2021-22 season. Oregon and Wisconsin last met in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. The Ducks’ defense clamped down on the Badgers’ perimeter to give 12th-seeded Oregon a 72-54 first round upset. Oregon and Notre Dame last played in the 2004 NIT in South Bend, Ind. The Ducks won that third-round game 65-61 to advance to the NIT Final Four in New York City. Saint Mary’s came in to McArthur Court and pulled out an 81-76 against Oregon during the 2009-10 season. The Ducks and Texas A&M have met just once previously. Oregon picked up a 94-70 over the Aggies in the 1970 Bluebonnet Bowl Classic in Houston. The Ducks have never played Butler or Chaminade.
