Kristian Ferrell
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual postseason knockout tournament featuring 32 Division I basketball teams. The NCAA has held the men's tournament since 1938, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent men's NIT championship in 2025 was won by the Chattanooga Mocs, who defeated UC Irvine 85-84 in overtime. The Memphis Tigers are the 2021 NIT champions, beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs. St. John's has won the most NIT titles, with five.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Winner | Chattanooga Mocs |
| Runner-up | UC Irvine |
| Final score | 85-84 |
| Overtime | Yes |
| Date | March 16, 2025 |
| Number of teams | 32 |
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What You'll Learn
The 2025 NIT Championship was won by the Chattanooga Mocs
The victory was a significant achievement for the Chattanooga Mocs, capping off a remarkable season. The team had showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, punching above their weight and defying the odds to secure the championship. Their triumph against UC Irvine was particularly noteworthy, as the Anteaters were a formidable opponent known for their strong performance in the tournament.
The road to the championship was not easy, but the Mocs demonstrated resilience and determination. In the quarterfinal stage, they faced off against No. 3 Bradley, emerging victorious with a score of 69-67. Honor Huff's scoring prowess was on full display, as he led the team with 21 points and five 3-pointers in their victory over Bradley. Bonham's clutch gene was also evident, as he drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 14.8 seconds remaining to seal the deal.
The Mocs' journey to the title also included a second-round matchup against Dayton, where they secured an 87-72 victory. Honor Huff once again played a pivotal role, contributing 26 points to the team's success. Additionally, the Mocs displayed their offensive firepower in a triple-overtime thriller against Middle Tennessee, with Bash Wieland scoring 31 points and Honor Huff adding a long 3-pointer to seal the deal in a high-scoring 109-103 victory.
The 2025 NIT Championship served as a testament to the Chattanooga Mocs' talent, teamwork, and unwavering spirit. Their Cinderella story captivated fans and inspired athletes, solidifying their place in the history of college basketball. The victory also tied the program record for the most wins in a single season, further emphasizing the magnitude of their accomplishment.
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The Memphis Tigers beat the Mississippi Bulldogs in 2021
The Memphis Tigers emerged victorious against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the 2021 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship. This annual postseason knockout tournament, featuring Division I men's basketball teams, has been held by the NCAA since 1938.
The 2021 edition of the NIT was unique due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was reduced to 16 teams, and for the first time, the semifinals and championship were not held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, instead taking place in Denton and Frisco, Texas. This was a departure from tradition, as the NIT semifinals and finals had been hosted at Madison Square Garden since its founding until 2022.
The Memphis Tigers' triumph in the 2021 NIT championship added to the team's prestigious history in the tournament. The National Invitation Tournament holds a special place in college basketball, with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1938. While its status has evolved over the years, it remains a highly competitive and sought-after title.
The 2021 NIT showcased the resilience and adaptability of the tournament organizers and participants in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By relocating the tournament to Texas and adapting the format, the organizers ensured the safety of the players and staff while still providing an opportunity for teams to compete and showcase their talents.
The Memphis Tigers' victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the 2021 NIT championship is a testament to their skill, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion. Their success in this prestigious tournament will undoubtedly be a source of pride and motivation for the team and their supporters.
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St. John's has won the most NIT titles
St. John's University has won the most National Invitation Tournament (NIT) titles of any men's college basketball team. The St. John's Red Storm, as they are known, have won the tournament six times, most recently in 2003.
St. John's first NIT championship came in 1943, under the leadership of senior captain Andrew "Fuzzy" Levane and sophomore All-American center Harry Boykoff. The team's trademark defense and Boykoff's inside scoring presence led them to victory over Rice, Fordham, and Toledo. The 1942-43 season was particularly challenging due to World War II, as many players, including Boykoff, were drafted for the war effort. Despite these challenges, St. John's became the first team to win back-to-back NIT titles, repeating as champions in 1944.
The Red Storm's success in the NIT continued under head coach Joe Lapchick, who led the team to four NIT championships (1943, 1944, 1959, 1965) during his tenure from 1936 to 1947 and again from 1956 to 1965. Lapchick preferred to take his teams to the NIT, which was then considered the more prestigious tournament, and only appeared in the NCAA tournament once in his 20 years of coaching St. John's.
St. John's won their fifth NIT championship in 1989, and their sixth title came in 2003 under head coach Mike Jarvis. Led by guard Marcus Hatten, the Red Storm defeated Georgetown 70-67 in front of a crowd of 12,406 at Madison Square Garden. Hatten scored a team-high 22 points, including five three-pointers, to secure the victory.
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The NCAA Tournament has been held annually since 1939
The NCAA Tournament, officially known as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, has a long and illustrious history. It has been held annually since 1939, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament is a single-elimination format that determines the champion of Division I, the pinnacle of NCAA basketball. The media often describes the winner as the national champion of college basketball.
The first NCAA Tournament was organised by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, with Oregon claiming the inaugural championship by defeating Ohio State 46-33 in the final. In its early years, the tournament was considered less prestigious than the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), a New York City-based event. Teams could compete in both tournaments, and three—Utah in 1944, Kentucky in 1949, and the City College of New York (CCNY) in 1950—won the NCAA Tournament after participating in both. The 1949-50 CCNY team is the only college basketball team to win both tournaments in the same year, defeating Bradley in both finals.
By the mid-1950s, the NCAA Tournament had overtaken the NIT in prestige, and in 1971, the NCAA barred universities from participating in other tournaments if they had received an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. The tournament has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from eight teams initially to sixty-five by 2001. As of 2011, sixty-eight teams compete in the tournament, with invitations gained through winning a conference championship or receiving an at-large bid from a 10-person committee.
The semifinals, known as the Final Four, are held in a different city each year, along with the championship game. Indianapolis, the home of the NCAA, will host the Final Four every five years until 2040. The winning university receives a rectangular, gold-plated, wooden trophy. UCLA holds the record for the most NCAA Tournament championships with 11, while John Wooden of UCLA is the most successful coach, having led his team to 10 titles.
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Connecticut is the most recent NCAA Division I champion
The University of Connecticut, branded athletically as "UConn", is the most recent NCAA Division I champion. They won the championship in 2024, beating Purdue, and also won the previous year in 2023 against San Diego State.
The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament is a single-elimination tournament for men's college basketball teams in the United States. It is held annually, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament features 68 teams, who gain invitations by winning a conference championship or receiving an at-large bid from a 10-person committee. The semifinals, known as the Final Four, are held in a different city each year, along with the championship game.
UConn also has a history of success in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), which is considered a consolation tournament for teams that don't receive bids to the NCAA tournament. The University regards the NIT as the beginning of its success. UConn won the NIT in 1981 and 2001, and the NIT is held in higher regard than some other newer tournaments.
The 2025 NIT championship was won by Chattanooga, who beat UC Irvine 85-84 in overtime.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chattanooga Mocs won the 2025 NIT Championship, defeating No. 1 UC Irvine 85-84 in overtime.
The Memphis Tigers won the 2021 NIT championship, beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual postseason knockout tournament featuring 32 Division I basketball teams.
All teams that won regular-season conference championships but failed to earn NCAA tournament bids are guaranteed places in the NIT.
