Chattanooga and UC Irvine Vie for NIT Championship Tonight

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Chattanooga Mocs and UC Irvine Anteaters will face off in the 2025 Men’s NIT Championship game Thursday night at 9 p.m. EDT at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This matchup promises to deliver intense action as both teams seek to secure a prestigious title.

Chattanooga, boasting a record of 28-9 and a first-place finish in the Southern Conference (15-3), arrives in the championship after defeating Loyola Chicago 80-73 in the semifinals. The Mocs rallied from a four-point halftime deficit, thanks to stellar performances from Honor Huff, Trey Bonham, and Bash Wieland, who combined for 47 points, including Bonham’s game-high 23.

In contrast, UC Irvine enters the contest with a 32-6 record under head coach Russ Turner, having finished second in the Big West Conference with a 17-3 mark. The Anteaters narrowly edged past North Texas 69-67 in their semifinal matchup, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess as they advanced.

The Mocs’ scoring strength lies in their trio of upperclassmen guards: Honor Huff, who averages 15.2 points per game; Trey Bonham, with 14.5 points per game; and Bash Wieland at 14.1 points per game. “We have the confidence to take on any challenge put in front of us,” Bonham stated after their semifinal victory.

UC Irvine counters with a formidable duo of senior big men. Seven-foot center Bent Leuchten leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 15.4 points and 9.0 rebounds, while senior forward Devin Tillis contributes 13.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. “We are prepared for the intensity of the moment and ready to compete,” Leuchten said ahead of the championship clash.

Both teams have navigated tough paths to reach the finals. The Mocs began their tournament with a triple-overtime thriller against Middle Tennessee and a stunning comeback victory over Bradley after overcoming a 16-point deficit in the quarterfinals. Similarly, UC Irvine had narrow wins, including an overtime victory against UAB to reach the semifinals.

As the championship buzzer approaches, fans can catch the showdown live on ESPN/ESPN+. The game venues and streaming platforms continue to highlight the increasing popularity of collegiate basketball.

Who: Chattanooga Mocs vs. UC Irvine Anteaters

When: Thursday, April 3 at 9 p.m. EDT

Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Live Stream: Available on ESPN+ and various sports streaming services.