2026 SOUTHWEST MAUI INVITATIONAL BRACKET

RICHMOND, Va. – VCU will meet Providence on the opening day of the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational, the tournament announced Wednesday, as part of the event's official bracket release.
 
The Rams and Friars will face off on Monday, Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. (EST) on ESPNU. VCU will meet either Arizona or Colorado State on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Their opponent for the tournament's final day, Nov. 25, will come from a group that includes Ole Miss, Clemson, Washington and BYU. All Maui Invitational games will air on ESPN's family of networks.
 
VCU and Providence have met just once previously, on Dec. 8, 1969, a game won 103-71 by the Friars in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence was 15-18 a year ago, but will have a new look in 2026-27 under first-year Head Coach Bryan Hodgson. Hodgson takes over the Friars after leading South Florida to an American Athletic Conference Championship and an NCAA berth last season.
 
The Rams will be making their third appearance at the prestigious Maui Invitational, which is played inside the cozy confines of the Lahaina Civic Center. VCU previously appeared in the event in 1986 and 2017.
 
Ticket packages for the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational are available at mauiinvitational.com/travel-packages.