Chattanooga Mocs Make History, Advance to NIT Championship

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team secured their spot in the NIT Championship with an 80-73 victory over Loyola Chicago on Tuesday night, a historic win marking their first appearance in the NIT title game.

The Mocs, boasting a 27-9 record, faced the Ramblers in the semifinals held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Trailing by nine points in the first half, Chattanooga rallied to overcome the deficit and clinch the win. Senior guard Trey Bonham was a standout, scoring 23 points, while forward Honor Huff contributed significantly, making crucial plays in the closing moments.

Chattanooga’s journey through the NIT has been marked by determination and resilience, culminating in their longest postseason run in program history. With this win, the Mocs have proven they can compete against strong opponents despite being a mid-major program.

In the semifinal matchup, the Mocs started strong with an early basket from Bonham, followed by an impressive performance that saw them leading repeatedly throughout the game. However, Loyola Chicago fought back fiercely, relying on their disciplined defense and sharp shooting to challenge Chattanooga.

The first half was characterized by back-and-forth scoring, with the Ramblers holding a slight edge. By the halftime break, the scoreboard read 40-32 in favor of Loyola. Despite the mounting pressure, Chattanooga’s coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Earl, emphasized resilience, urging the players to stay focused.

The second half showcased a revitalized Mocs team, as they aggressively attacked the basket, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. “We knew we had to dig in defensively and really wanted this win,” Bonham stated after the game.

A key play came with just over 30 seconds remaining when Huff hit a crucial three-pointer to extend Chattanooga’s lead to four points. “It’s a great feeling to contribute, but it’s all about the team effort,” Huff remarked, reflecting on his game-winning shot.

In the tense final moments, the Mocs maintained their composure as Loyola struggled to recover. Bonham sealed the victory by completing a dunk following a rebound, concluding the match with an impressive performance that etched his name in the program’s NIT history.

Bonham’s 23 points not only led the game but also marked the most points scored by a Moc in the NIT to date. His performance ties him for the highest points recorded by a Chattanooga player in any postseason tournament.

As the Mocs celebrate this milestone, their focus shifts to the upcoming championship game against UC Irvine, scheduled for Thursday night at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The team views this opportunity as a chance to secure the program’s first NIT title.

In his post-game remarks, Coach Earl praised his team’s effort, stating, “I thought we competed hard and really battled defensively. This is a historic moment for our program.” The championship matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Chattanooga looks to cap off a remarkable season.