News Summary
The Chattanooga Mocs achieved a historic milestone by winning their first NIT Championship with a narrow 85-84 overtime victory against UC Irvine. The thrilling match held at Hinkle Fieldhouse showcased an impressive performance by the Mocs, culminating a monumental season that tied the program’s record for the most wins. Key players delivered standout performances, leading to this remarkable achievement as the first Southern Conference team to claim the NIT title.
Chattanooga Mocs Make History with Exciting NIT Championship Victory!
In a thrilling display of talent and heart, the Chattanooga Mocs shocked the basketball world by winning their first NIT Championship in a spectacular matchup against No. 1 seed UC Irvine. The game, held at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, saw the Mocs triumph 85-84 in nail-biting overtime.
A Season to Remember
The Mocs capped off a monumental season with this victory, tying the program’s record for the most wins in a season at an impressive 29 victories. They also demonstrated consistency and resilience, having won 17 of their last 18 games leading into the championship. This victory marks a significant achievement for Chattanooga, not only because it’s their first NIT title but also because they became the first-ever team from the Southern Conference to claim this prestigious tournament crown.
On the Edge of Your Seat
From the opening tip-off, the game was tightly contested. Trey Bonham, who has been instrumental throughout the tournament as the team’s leading scorer with an impressive average of 14.5 points per game, came up big. He earned the title of the Most Outstanding Player for his contributions, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. His highlight of the night was a jaw-dropping half-court buzzer beater that ended the first half, sending shockwaves through the arena.
Meanwhile, Cajetano Mulholland also shone with 19 points, landing five incredible three-pointers to help the Mocs maintain their momentum throughout the game. Not to be outdone, Honor Huff and Garrison Keeslar each added 14 points, with Huff recording a double-double by securing 10 rebounds.
For UC Irvine—who were also gunning for their first NIT title—the energy was palpable. They had put together an impressive season as well, boasting a 32-7 record and a strong defense ranked 10th in the nation for field goal percentage allowed. The Anteaters aimed to capitalize on their size advantage, especially with 7-foot-1 center Bent Leuchten on the roster. However, a few critical missed free throws late in the game left them vulnerable, as Leuchten couldn’t find the net from the charity stripe with just 31 seconds remaining in overtime.
Down to the Wire
As the clock wound down in regulation, it became clear this battle wasn’t going to be decided easily. Both teams exchanged baskets, and the atmosphere in Hinkle Fieldhouse was electric. With just 11 seconds left in overtime, it was Garrison Keeslar who delivered the decisive jump shot. This critical field goal gave Chattanooga the slim lead they needed and ultimately secured their win.
In the final moments, UC Irvine had one last opportunity to snatch victory from defeat. They raced down the court, but a last-second layup attempt fell short as time expired, sealing the Mocs’ fate as champions.
Record-Setting Performances
The Mocs had more than just a team effort; individual accolades shone brightly. Honor Huff became a legend in his own right, finishing the season as college basketball’s 3-point king with 128 made threes, now ranking second in school history. Meanwhile, Keeslar not only showcased his shooting but also led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio at 5.38, emphasizing his vital role in orchestrating the Mocs’ offense.
The game was marked by intense moments and several controversial calls that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The mix of strong defensive plays and strategic offensive moves made for one unforgettable night of basketball that will be talked about for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this incredible victory, the Mocs lay firm foundations for future seasons. With a great mix of talent and tenacity, Can we expect even greater feats from Chattanooga next season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Mocs have established themselves as a team to watch!
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Additional Resources
- NCAA: Chattanooga Mocs Win 2025 NIT
- Google Search: Chattanooga Mocs NIT 2025
- ESPN: Chattanooga Becomes First Southern Conference Team to Win NIT Title
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga Mocs basketball
- Loyola Ramblers: Loyola Falls in NIT Semifinal vs Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga Mocs
