Chattanooga, Loyola Chicago Battle for NIT Championship Final Spot

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The 2025 NIT semifinals will showcase a battle between Chattanooga Mocs and Loyola Chicago Ramblers on April 1 at 9:30 p.m. EST at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Both teams are aiming for a chance to compete for the NIT championship, scheduled for April 3.

Chattanooga (27-9) and Loyola Chicago (25-11) are making waves in their postseason journey, with each team enjoying an impressive run through the NIT this year. Chattanooga, under third-year head coach Dan Earl, has reached the semifinals for the first time in program history after an historic season, while Loyola Chicago looks to continue its postseason success following a remarkable run during the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

The Mocs achieved a thrilling victory in the Elite Eight round against Bradley, winning 67-65, while Loyola prevailed in a 72-62 quarterfinal matchup against Kent State. Both wins set the stage for this highly anticipated semifinal.

“This is uncharted territory for us,” said Earl, reflecting on his team’s success. “We’ve faced great competition all season, and now we’re here with a chance to play for the championship.”

The NIT has become a showcase for mid-major programs, featuring all four semifinalists from such conferences this year. The semifinalists also include North Texas and UC Irvine, who will face off in the other semifinal on the same day.

Hinkle Fieldhouse, the historic venue located on Butler’s campus, has seen its share of basketball glory, including the famous 1954 high school championship depicted in the movie “Hoosiers.” The venue promises a thrilling atmosphere for this matchup of mid-majors.

Chattanooga, with a strong offensive rotation led by guards Honor Huff and Trey Bonham, has been particularly effective this season. Huff, with over 1,100 points in two seasons, has showcased his scoring ability, while Bonham has consistently delivered clutch performances.

“We’ve worked hard all year, and now we get a chance to display our talents on a big stage,” said Huff. “This is all about teamwork and perseverance.”

Loyola Chicago, known for its memorable journey in 2018, is led by guards Jayden Dawson and Des Watson and has built a reputation for strong defensive play throughout the season. They have reached this stage after coming together as a cohesive unit and will look to leverage their size and skill against Chattanooga.

<p“Every game is a new opportunity for us,” said Loyola head coach Drew Valentine. “We’re excited for the challenge that Chattanooga presents.”

The contest drains historical significance as both programs aim for that coveted spot in the NIT final. Chattanooga last made a deep run in the 1985 NIT but fell short of the ultimate goal.

This semifinal will mark the first meeting between the Mocs and the Ramblers since 1989, where Loyola narrowly defeated Chattanooga. The challenges ahead include maintaining momentum, managing pressure, and executing strategies effectively.

As the teams prepare, fans can expect a tactical battle led by two dynamic coaching staffs. The winner will face either North Texas or UC Irvine in the championship game. The anticipation builds as these two storied programs look to rewrite their legacies with a decisive victory.