If solely the NCAA Match had this a lot pleasure.
The NIT Championship sport in Indianapolis between UC Irvine and Chattanooga got here all the way down to the ultimate play of extra time.
Trailing 85-84 with 2.4 seconds left in extra time, UC Irvine’s Devin Tillis tossed a full-court go that was pulled in by Bent Leuchten. The 7-foot-1 heart then fed the ball to a wide-open Jurian Dixon, whose rushed layup painfully rolled off the rim, giving Chattanooga its first NIT title.
It got here after a dramatic and nervous remaining minute for each groups.
Leuchten went to the free-throw line with 31 seconds left in extra time for an opportunity at a three-point lead, however he missed each free throws.
Chattanooga’s Garrison Keeslar then sank a go-ahead jumper from the free-throw line with 11 seconds to retake the lead.
After Keeslar’s make, an entry go to Leuchten was overthrown and Chattanooga secured the free ball earlier than lacking two free throws to offer the Anteaters one other probability that will solely add to the heartbreak.
Each applications had been enjoying of their first NIT championship sport.
Bonham had 19 factors to go together with 10 rebounds for Chattanooga. Keeslar secured his first double-double of the season with 14 factors and 10 rebounds, and Huff additionally had 14 factors.
Tillis scored 13 of his 19 factors within the first half for UC Irvine. Leuchten completed with 15 factors and 11 rebounds.
Bonham sank a half-court shot simply earlier than the halftime buzzer to offer Chattanooga a 38-37 lead on the break.
Each groups had a controversial name go towards them within the remaining 20 seconds of regulation.
Chattanooga’s Honor Huff kicked out a leg to attract a foul and made three free throws with 16.3 seconds left to offer Chattanooga its first lead, 76-74, because it was 38-37.
Then Irvine’s Myles Che bought a defender within the air on a 3-pointer and jumped into him earlier than making 2 of three free throws to tie it at 76-all.
— With AP
