Chattanooga’s Historic NIT Victory: A Night to Remember
INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Collin Mulholland led the charge for Chattanooga with an impressive 19 points, including five crucial 3-pointers. But it was Garrison Keeslar who stole the spotlight in the dying moments of the game. With just 11 seconds left in overtime, Keeslar sank a go-ahead jumper from the free throw line, sealing Chattanooga’s fate as the first team from the Southern Conference to win the NIT championship. The final score was a nail-biting 85-84 victory over UC Irvine on Thursday night.
Chattanooga (29-9) not only clinched the NIT title but also tied a program record for victories in a season, having won 17 of its last 18 games. This remarkable run culminated in the program’s first postseason title, a testament to the team’s resilience and determination.
On the other side of the court, UC Irvine’s towering 7-foot-1 center, Bent Leuchten, found himself at the free-throw line with 31 seconds left in overtime. With a chance to extend UC Irvine’s lead to three points, the pressure proved too much, and he missed both free throws. This opened the door for Keeslar’s heroics. After Keeslar’s clutch shot, an entry pass intended for Leuchten was overthrown, allowing Chattanooga to secure the loose ball. However, the drama wasn’t over yet, as Chattanooga missed two free throws, giving the Anteaters one last opportunity.
In a desperate attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, Devin Tillis launched a full-court pass with just 2.4 seconds remaining. Leuchten managed to grab it with one hand and quickly passed it to Jurian Dixon under the basket. Dixon’s layup attempt rolled off the rim as time expired, sealing UC Irvine’s fate.
For UC Irvine (32-7), this was also a historic moment, as they were playing in the program’s first NIT championship game. Despite the loss, the Anteaters can hold their heads high, knowing they pushed Chattanooga to the brink.
Chattanooga’s victory was a team effort, with Garrison Keeslar securing his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bonham also contributed significantly, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Huff added 14 points to the tally.
For UC Irvine, Tillis was a standout performer, scoring 13 of his 19 points in the first half. Leuchten finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court.
The game was filled with memorable moments, including Bonham’s half-court shot just before the halftime buzzer, which gave Chattanooga a 38-37 lead at the break. The second half was equally intense, with both teams experiencing controversial calls in the final 20 seconds of regulation. Huff drew a foul with a leg kick, making three free throws to give Chattanooga its first lead, 76-74, since it was 38-73. Then, Myles Che managed to get a defender in the air on a 3-pointer, drawing a foul and making 2 of 3 free throws to tie the game at 76-all.
- Chattanooga’s first NIT championship win
- UC Irvine’s first appearance in the NIT final
- Key players: Collin Mulholland, Garrison Keeslar, Bent Leuchten
- Final score: Chattanooga 85, UC Irvine 84
In the end, it was a game that had everything: drama, skill, and a touch of controversy. Chattanooga’s victory is a testament to their grit and determination, and it will be remembered as a historic moment for the Southern Conference.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
