Christmas Day was dominated by the NBA, as the only college action on the schedule was the final day of a new holiday tradition, the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
- Northeastern avoided an 0-3 trip by defeating SMU in the 7th place game, 73-62.
- Western Michigan finished 5th, after what must have been an exciting 66-63 win over College of Charleston.
- Hawai'i tried to make a comeback against St. Mary's in the 3rd place game, thanks to 34 from Dwain Williams, but the Gaels prevailed, 84-75. If Roderick Flemings had played for the Warriors, it could've been a different result for the hosts.
- Finally, USC's renaissance under Kevin O'Neill continues. The Trojans knocked off UNLV, 67-56, to claim the title.
There is only one game on the schedule Saturday. It happens to be a good one, the first game of the Big East season. Sixth-ranked West Virginia travels to Seton Hall (CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET). The Pirates, led by Jeremy Hazell and New Mexico State transfer Herb Pope should be a good first league challenge for Devin Ebanks, Da'Sean Butler, Kevin Jones, and co.