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2 months ago: Kentucky 's John Wall shoots during the final of the Cancun Challenge NCAA basketball game against Stanford in Cancun, Mexico, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)

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Two tournaments crowned champions in thrilling fashion on Wednesday night, while two of the biggest events of the early season start on Thursday.  Let's get started with a look at Wednesday's action.

Cancun Challenge - Day Two

• In the marquee bracket, Kentucky took the crown, but not before Stanford took them to overtime (after leading much of the way).  The Wildcats won 73-65, but needed two John Wall foul shots to even get to the extra session.  Wall had 26 and Patrick Patterson had 12 and 11 rebounds, but again the bench was MIA.
• Virginia finished third by beating Cleveland State, 76-65.
• In the mid-major finals, Oral Roberts finished third by defeating Florida A&M, 72-51.  Sam Houston State claimed first by stunning Rider, 80-68.

Maui Invitational - Day Three

• Gonzaga claimed the crown as they outlasted Cincinnati in overtime.61-59.  Robert Sacre had 14 for the Bulldogs, including the game-winning dunk.  Lance Stephenson had 15 for the Bearcats, but Cashmere Wright had a potential game-tying shot rim out at the end of OT.
• Wisconsin took third after beating No. 21 Maryland, 78-69.
• Fifth place goes to No. 24 Vanderbilt, 84-72 winners over Arizona. (Be sure to welcome our new Vanderbilt blog, Anchor of Gold.)
• Colorado finished seventh by knocking off host Chaminade, 73-58.

NIT Season Tip-Off Semifinals

• UConn rolled LSU in the first semifinal, 81-55, thanks to 20 points each from Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson.  
• In the second semi, No. 7 Duke pulled away from Arizona State in the second half, 64-53.  
• The Huskies and Blue Devils will meet, as expected, for the title on Friday.  The Tigers face the Sun Devils for third immediately before the championship game.

Great Alaska Shootout

• Washington State opened up with an 87-68 win against Alaska-Anchorage. The Cougars will have the holiday off, while the Seawolves next face Nicholls State (FCS Pacific/MASN/Metro Sports, 9 p.m. ET).
• Oklahoma played San Diego in their opener late Wednesday.  As I write this, the Sooners are down big to the Toreros.  I'll update that score after I wake up on the West Coast.  OU is right back at it late on Thursday, as they face Houston (FCS Pacific/CSS/MASN/Metro Sports, 11:30 p.m. ET).

In other Wednesday action:

• No. 1 Kansas demolished Oakland, 89-59.
• Pacific got a nice win over San Diego State in the West Coast Classic, 71-63.
• America East favorite Boston University knocked off CAA contender Northeastern, 69-64.
• Western Carolina defeated Duquesne in a CBE Classic "subregional" tilt, 83-77.

Remember, if you don't see your team's score, click any of the score links. The page will include a sidebar with all of the night's action.

After the jump, I'll have more on the holiday slate.

For me, Thanksgiving isn't about football, it's about tournaments near Disney parks.  I spent a very long day at Disneyland today and am ready to take in the action here in Anaheim tomorrow.  All game times are Eastern.  For more info on these tournaments, check out my Early Season Event Preview post.

Old Spice Classic (Orlando)

• Creighton vs. Michigan (ESPN2, 12 p.m.)
• Marquette vs. Xavier (ESPN2, 2:30 p.m.)
• Alabama vs Baylor (ESPN2, 6:30 p.m.)
• Florida State vs. Iona (ESPNU, 9 p.m.)

76 Classic (Anaheim)

• West Virginia vs. Long Beach State (ESPNU, 2 p.m.)
• Texas A&M vs. Clemson (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.)
• Minnesota vs. Butler (ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.)
• UCLA vs. Portland (ESPN2, 11 p.m.)

I'll be tweeting throughout the day from the Anaheim Convention Center, @BracketDobber.  If technology allows me, I will also be publishing commentaries on SB Nation's College Basketball page as events warrant.  If all else fails, I'll be back here with a full recap on Friday morning.

In the meantime, have a very happy Thanksgiving!  Be sure to sneak some hoops watching between servings of turkey and stuffing and the inevitable nap that follows.