Chad Baker-Mazara dominated at the Lahaina Civic Center on Wednesday, scoring 23 points to lead USC past Arizona State 88-75 and win the Southwest Maui Invitational. The victory capped a tense three-day run and highlighted a college journey that has taken him from Santo Domingo to multiple stops across the U.S.
How the final unfolded
“USC and Arizona State were tied 43-43 at halftime, but the Trojans pulled away in the final five minutes with hot shooting and key turnovers, according to ESPN. Baker-Mazara went 9-for-16 with four 3-pointers, while Ezra Ausar added 14 points and Jaden Brownell provided timely scoring off the bench. Jordan Marsh’s late free throws and USC’s time-of-possession edge sealed the win.
A rare two-time winner
Baker-Mazara made history as the first player in the tournament’s 42-year run to play on two championship teams, winning with Auburn in 2024 before repeating with USC in Lahaina, according to Maui Now. After the final, he celebrated with family via video calls and told reporters he felt ‘on top of the world.’ His totals for the event were 52 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists over three games.
Road to the trophy
USC’s road to the championship was tough. The Trojans edged Boise State 70-67 in the quarterfinals, with Baker-Mazara scoring 11 points and grabbing eight rebounds, according to USC’s box score. He added 18 points and two clutch free throws in an 83-81 semifinal win over Seton Hall, per USC’s recap, setting up the final in Lahaina.
Tourney honors and all-tournament picks
The Southwest Maui Invitational’s official records list Baker-Mazara as the 2025 Dr. Sue Wesselkamper Most Valuable Player, according to the Maui Invitational site. Local coverage of the event also rolled out the all-tournament team, a group that included Baker-Mazara, Ezra Ausar, Moe Odum, Ace Glass, A.J. Staton-McCray and Dailyn Swain, recognizing the standouts across the bracket.
What it means for Lahaina
The tournament’s impact in Lahaina runs beyond the final score. It brings visitors, media attention and a timely boost to local stores and restaurants, a dynamic Hoodline highlighted in its coverage of the event’s role in boosting local economy and morale. Inside the intimate, pressure-packed Civic Center, the week felt like a postseason dress rehearsal and, this year, it delivered a memorable stage for Baker-Mazara and USC.
