Amanda Knapp
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is a post-season tournament founded in 1938 by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association. The tournament is held for teams that did not receive NCAA basketball tournament bids. The winners of the NIT are regarded as more prestigious than the winners of the NCAA tournament. The 2025 NIT was won by the Chattanooga Mocs, who defeated the University of California–Irvine Anteaters 85–84 in overtime. This was the Mocs' first NIT title.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of First NIT Championship | 1938 |
| Winner of First NIT Championship | Temple University Owls |
| Runner-up of First NIT Championship | Colorado Buffaloes |
| Year of Latest NIT Championship | 2025 |
| Winner of Latest NIT Championship | University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Mocs |
| Runner-up of Latest NIT Championship | University of California–Irvine Anteaters |
| Score of Latest Championship Game | 85-84 |
| Latest Championship Game Venue | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis |
| Latest Championship Game Date | April 3, 2025 |
| Number of Teams in Latest Championship | 32 |
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What You'll Learn
- The 2025 National Invitation Tournament was won by the Chattanooga Mocs
- The 2024 NIT Championship was won by the Seton Hall Pirates
- The first NIT in 1938 was won by the Temple University Owls
- The NIT is seen as a step up for teams, helping them gain prominence
- The NIT is generally held in higher regard than newer tournaments
The 2025 National Invitation Tournament was won by the Chattanooga Mocs
The 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was a single-elimination tournament of 32 NCAA Division I men's college basketball teams that had not been selected to participate in the 2025 NCAA tournament. The first three rounds were played on campus sites, with the semifinal and final rounds taking place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Six programs made their debut in the NIT: Cal State Northridge, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Northern Colorado, Samford, and UC Riverside.
The 2025 NIT championship was won by the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Mocs, who defeated the University of California–Irvine Anteaters 85–84 in overtime. This was the Mocs' first-ever NIT title, and it tied the program record for most wins in a season. Forward Garrison Keeslar hit the game-winning jump shot with 11 seconds left, and guard Trey Bonham was named the Most Outstanding Player for his 19-point, 10-rebound performance, which included a half-court buzzer beater to end the first half.
The Mocs' victory was a Cinderella story, as they upset No. 1 UC Irvine, who nearly won it in the final moments but fell short after missing a layup on a Hail Mary play with less than a second left. The All-Tournament Team included Trey Bonham and Honor Huff (Chattanooga), Justin Hohn and Devin Tillis (UC Irvine), and Atin Wright (North Texas).
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The 2024 NIT Championship was won by the Seton Hall Pirates
The Seton Hall Pirates emerged as champions of the 2024 NIT Championship, defeating the Indiana State Sycamores 79-77. This was the Pirates' second NIT title, with their first being in 1953. The Seton Hall men's basketball program secured a spot in the National Invitation Tournament, despite many believing they deserved a place in the NCAA's March Madness tournament.
The Pirates' victory was largely due to the efforts of their three captains: Dawes, Davis, and Richmond. With 16 seconds remaining in the game, Davis scored the winning layup, putting the Pirates ahead for good. The team was also aided by a crucial block from Bediako, which helped seal their victory.
The 2024 NIT Championship win was a significant achievement for the Seton Hall Pirates, marking their 25th win of the season and their first NIT title since 1953. The team's success can be attributed to the strong leadership of head coach Shaheen Holloway, who guided the Pirates to victory with his strategic expertise.
The Pirates' road to the NIT Finals was not without its challenges, as they faced tough competition along the way. However, their determination and skill ultimately prevailed, resulting in a well-deserved championship victory. The 2024 NIT Championship served as a testament to the talent and resilience of the Seton Hall Pirates, solidifying their place in the history of college basketball.
The team's triumph was celebrated by loyal Pirates fans, who welcomed the champions home with enthusiasm and pride. The support of the Seton Hall community further highlighted the impact of this victory, as it brought together students, alumni, and fans in a shared celebration of their beloved team's success.
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The first NIT in 1938 was won by the Temple University Owls
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual men's college basketball tournament. The first NIT tournament took place in 1938, one year before the first NCAA Tournament. It was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association and was originally considered the most prestigious of the two major postseason tournaments in men's college basketball. The first NIT in 1938 was won by the Temple University Owls, who defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 60-36 in the championship game on March 16, 1938.
The NIT was originally held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with all games taking place at this venue. The tournament invited six teams to participate in its inaugural edition, and this number expanded over the years, reaching 32 teams in 1980. The tournament has since reverted to this 32-team format.
In its early years, the NIT offered several advantages over the NCAA tournament. There was limited national media coverage of college basketball in the 1930s and 1940s, so playing in New York City provided teams with greater media exposure, both with the general public and among high school prospects in the area. Additionally, the NCAA tournament was originally mostly among conference winners, limiting the number of teams that could participate. The NIT, therefore, attracted many Eastern teams who preferred the reduced travel of playing closer to home.
Over time, the NCAA Tournament surpassed the NIT in popularity and prestige. Today, the NIT is considered a "consolation" event for teams that did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament. However, the NIT continues to be an important tournament, providing an opportunity for collegiate basketball teams to compete and showcase their skills on a national stage.
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The NIT is seen as a step up for teams, helping them gain prominence
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is a prestigious post-season tournament in the world of college basketball. It was founded in 1938, one year before the NCAA tournament, and has a rich history of showcasing some of the best men's and women's college basketball teams.
Over the years, the NIT has played a significant role in helping teams gain prominence and progress from mediocrity to success. Teams that don't receive NCAA basketball tournament bids can strive to win NIT championships, which serve as a stepping stone to prominence. The NIT provides an opportunity for these teams to compete for a tourney title during "March Madness," adding excitement and a chance to build their reputation.
The University of Tulsa, which won the NIT in 1981 and 2001, is a prime example of how the NIT can help teams gain prominence. At Tulsa, the Golden Hurricane's NIT "championship tradition" is viewed with pride and has become a "lure" for players to join the program. Similarly, the University of Connecticut regards the NIT as the catalyst for its success. These examples illustrate how the NIT can be a launching pad for teams to enhance their reputation and attract top talent.
In addition to its role in team development, the NIT has also gone through its own evolution. Originally starting with six teams, the tournament has expanded multiple times, reaching 40 teams from 2002 through 2006. The NIT has adapted its format to encourage participation by strong college teams and ensure a competitive environment. The tournament has also guaranteed bids to top-performing teams from major conferences, further elevating the level of competition.
The NIT is more than just a basketball tournament; it's an opportunity for teams to rise to prominence and write their own success stories. The recent victory of the Chattanooga Mocs in the 2025 NIT is a testament to this, as they capped off their Cinderella story with an upset victory over the number one seed. The NIT continues to be a platform for teams to showcase their talent, build their reputation, and take a step towards prominence in college basketball.
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The NIT is generally held in higher regard than newer tournaments
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is a post-season tournament founded in 1938 by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association. The tournament was originally hosted by a body of local New York colleges, including Fordham University, Manhattan University, New York University, St. John's University, and Wagner College. The first NIT was won by the Temple University Owls, who beat the Colorado Buffaloes.
The NIT has maintained its prestige over the years, with some teams perceiving it as a step up to prominence. For example, the University of Tulsa, which won the NIT in 1981 and 2001, views the tournament as a source of pride and a "lure" for players to join the program. The University of Connecticut also considers the NIT as the beginning of its success.
The NIT is also held in higher regard than newer tournaments that have debuted since 2008, such as the College Basketball Invitational and the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. While some teams are opting for more recent tournaments like the College Basketball Crown, traditional schools like St. Bonaventure still accept bids to the NIT. The NIT continues to be a showcase for college basketball talent and a platform for teams to strive for success beyond the NCAA tournament.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chattanooga Mocs won the 2025 NIT championship, defeating the University of California–Irvine Anteaters 85–84 in overtime.
The Seton Hall Pirates won the 2024 NIT championship.
The University of Tulsa has won the NIT championship twice, in 1981 and 2001.
The Temple University Owls won the first-ever NIT championship, defeating the Colorado Buffaloes.
