The Chattanooga bench erupts after a three-pointer. MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Watch: Chattanooga wins NIT championship in thrilling finish

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 12:53 AM ET

We may be past March, but the Madness decided to hang around a little longer on Thursday night.

In a game that went into overtime, Chattanooga prevailed, 85-84, over UC Irvine to win its first National Invitation Tournament title in program history.

It did not come easy, though, as this wild sequence took place as time expired:

CHATTANOOGA SURVIVES

An OT thriller in the NIT championship pic.twitter.com/nvzkXgR5So
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 4, 2025

Chattanooga trailed 84-83 until guard Garrison Keeslar hit the go-ahead mid-range jumper with 11 seconds remaining. UC Irvine went with the full court pass and had a chance, but freshman Jurian Dixon's game-winning attempt would not drop as the buzzer sounded.

The Mocs finished with a 29-9 record, which is tied for the most wins in program history. Keeslar was one of four Chattanooga players in double figures. Senior Trey Bonham and freshman Collin Mulholland each had a team-high 19 points.

All five UC Irvine starters had at least 13 points, but could not cap its historic season with a trophy. The Anteaters finished with a program-record 32 wins, making Thursday's finish that much more heartbreaking as the year came to an end in defeat.

The disappointment was palpable for UC Irvine. As for Chattanooga, it escaped with the win and a lasting memory as NIT champions.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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