The Maui Invitational basketball tournament is set to conclude with an exhilarating showdown between the undefeated No. 4 Marquette Golden Eagles and the second-ranked Purdue Boilermakers. This year's tournament has been nothing short of remarkable, with both teams vying to achieve a rare feat in college basketball history.

A remarkable statistic sets the stage for this highly anticipated match-up: for the first time since 1972, both No. 4 Marquette and No. 7 Tennessee will face off against the Associated Press' top two teams consecutively. Marquette, led by their star point guard Tyler Kolek, stunned the nation by defeating the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 73-59, while Purdue showcased their dominance with a victory over Tennessee.

In the title game, Marquette, currently the underdog with a 3.5-point line against No. 2 Purdue, aims to secure back-to-back victories over the nation's top two teams, a feat that has not been accomplished by any school since 1972. The game, scheduled to tip-off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, promises to be a thrilling battle for the Maui Invitational crown.

Tuesday's action saw Purdue's Zach Edey, who was named National Player of the Year, lead his team to a hard-fought win over Tennessee. Meanwhile, Marquette showcased their prowess by pulling off a stunning upset over Kansas. Marquette's victory against the Jayhawks improved their all-time record against the nation's top-ranked team to 3-11.

Despite Tyler Kolek's relatively quiet game with just six points, Marquette's suffocating defense and strong team performance secured the win. Oso Ighodaro led the charge with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Chase Ross contributed a career-high tying 12 points off the bench.

For Marquette, this tournament represents an opportunity to make history once again. In 2003, the Golden Eagles reached the Final Four after defeating top-five teams, and now they aspire to mimic that success by securing back-to-back victories over elite opponents. Coach Shaka Smart's squad aims to continue their impressive start to the season, aiming for a 6-0 record, and potentially making a deep run in the national tournament.

On the other hand, the Purdue Boilermakers seek their first-ever Maui Invitational title. Buoyed by the dominant performances of Canadian standout Zach Edey, Purdue notched their third consecutive win against AP top-10 teams with a hard-fought victory against Tennessee. Edey's 23 points and 10 rebounds propelled the Boilermakers to the championship game.

The stage is set for an enthralling clash between these two powerhouse programs. This championship bout will also serve as a rematch from their meeting last year in the Gavitt Games, where Purdue emerged victorious with a 75-70 win. Edey recorded an impressive double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds in that game, while Kolek showcased his playmaking abilities with eight points, 11 assists, and six rebounds.

With the possibility of a new No. 1 ranking on the line, both Marquette and Purdue will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. The winner of this highly-anticipated match-up will cement their status as a national powerhouse and could potentially claim the top spot in the new polls. As the clock ticks down to the tip-off, basketball fans around the nation eagerly await the crowning of a Maui Invitational champion.