While the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament captures the nation’s attention each March, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) serves as a compelling postseason stage for teams that narrowly miss out on the Big Dance. The 2025 NIT, in particular, delivered a captivating display of collegiate hoops, showcasing rising stars, veteran leadership, and the unpredictable nature of single-elimination basketball.
This article delves into the specifics of the 2025 NIT, exploring its format, the teams that battled for the championship, key storylines, and how fans engaged with the action. We’ll also address some of the most common questions people had about the tournament, providing a comprehensive look back at this exciting event.
What is the NIT? More Than Just a Consolation
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is the oldest college basketball tournament in the United States, predating even the NCAA Tournament. While its prestige has evolved over time, it remains a significant postseason opportunity for NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams. Essentially, it’s a 32-team single-elimination tournament for teams that were not selected for the NCAA Tournament. For many programs, it’s a chance to extend their season, gain valuable tournament experience, and even cap off a successful year with a championship.
The 2025 NIT at a Glance: Dates, Host, and Format
The 2025 National Invitation Tournament officially commenced on March 18, 2025, and concluded on April 3, 2025.
The tournament followed a familiar format, with the first three rounds played at campus sites of the higher-seeded teams. This home-court advantage often added an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the early games.
The highly anticipated semifinal and championship rounds were held at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the second consecutive year. Hinkle Fieldhouse, with its rich basketball history, provided a fitting and atmospheric backdrop for the tournament’s climax.
The 2025 NIT comprised a 32-team field. The selection process involved:
Exempt Qualifiers: A new format was introduced for the 2025 NIT, extending bids to two teams from the Atlantic Coast (ACC) and Southeastern (SEC) conferences, plus one team each from the top twelve conferences (excluding the ACC and SEC) as rated by the Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings (KenPom) on March 16, 2025. This aimed to ensure representation from strong conferences.
Automatic Qualifiers: Regular-season conference champions who failed to win their conference tournament and were not from conferences receiving an exempt bid, also earned automatic bids if their “KNIT” score (an average of various ranking metrics like BTR, BPI, KPR, KPI, NET, SOR, and WAB) was 125 or better.
At-Large Bids: The remaining spots were filled by at-large selections, chosen by the NIT committee based on various performance metrics and overall season records.
The Teams: Who Competed in 2025?
The 32-team field for the 2025 NIT featured a diverse mix of programs, from traditional powers to mid-major hopefuls. Many teams entered with impressive regular-season records, demonstrating their competitive spirit even after missing out on the NCAA Tournament.
Some of the notable teams that participated included:
No. 1 Seeds: SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, and San Francisco were awarded the top seeds, indicating their strong regular-season performances and favorable paths in their respective regional brackets.
Power Conference Representation: While often dominated by mid-majors, the 2025 NIT saw participation from several power conference teams, including Georgia Tech (ACC), Stanford (ACC), SMU (ACC), and Oklahoma State (Big 12). This added an intriguing dynamic, as these teams looked to prove their mettle outside of the NCAA Tournament spotlight.
Newcomers: Six programs made their debut in the NIT in 2025: Cal State Northridge, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Northern Colorado, Samford, and UC Riverside, adding fresh faces to the tournament’s history.
It’s also worth noting that, as in previous years, several high-major programs, such as Indiana, South Carolina, and Wake Forest, declined invitations to the NIT after missing the NCAA Tournament. This decision often sparks debate among fans and analysts, highlighting the varying perceptions of the NIT’s value.
Key Storylines and Unforgettable Moments
The 2025 NIT was far from a quiet affair. It delivered a series of compelling narratives and memorable moments:
Chattanooga’s Historic Run: The University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Mocs emerged as the Cinderella story of the tournament, making a historic run to their first-ever NIT championship game. Their journey was marked by gritty performances and a determined spirit.
UC Irvine’s Near Miss: The UC Irvine Anteaters, another No. 1 seed, also impressed, reaching the championship game for the first time in their history. Their strong defensive play and clutch free-throw shooting made them a formidable opponent.
Close Contests and Overtime Thrillers: The tournament featured numerous nail-biting finishes, including UC Irvine’s overtime victory in the quarterfinals and their narrow semifinal win. These close games underscored the competitive balance within the field.
Individual Brilliance: Players stepped up to deliver standout performances throughout the tournament. Trey Bonham of Chattanooga was named the Most Outstanding Player, leading his team with exceptional scoring. Other players like Justin Hohn (UC Irvine) and Atin Wright (North Texas) also left their mark with impactful contributions.
Underdog Surges: The nature of a single-elimination tournament meant that lower-seeded teams always had a chance to make a splash. North Alabama, a No. 6 seed, was highlighted as a potential upset pick in the first round due to their strong late-season form.
The Road to the Championship: Semifinals and Final
The journey culminated in Indianapolis with two thrilling semifinal matchups on April 1, 2025, at Hinkle Fieldhouse:
UC Irvine vs. North Texas: In a tightly contested battle, UC Irvine narrowly defeated North Texas 69-67. Devin Tillis of UC Irvine was instrumental, contributing 16 points and 11 rebounds to secure their spot in the final.
Chattanooga vs. Loyola Chicago: Chattanooga continued their impressive run, overcoming Loyola Chicago 80-73 to reach the championship game for the first time ever.
The championship game took place on April 3, 2025, also at Hinkle Fieldhouse:
Chattanooga vs. UC Irvine: In an epic clash, the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Mocs defeated the University of California–Irvine Anteaters 85-84 in overtime to claim their first-ever NIT championship. The game was a testament to both teams’ resilience and showcased the high stakes of a tournament final.
How to Watch and Experience the NIT
For fans eager to follow the action, the 2025 NIT was broadly accessible:
Television Broadcasts: Games were aired across the ESPN family of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU.
Live Streaming: Fans could stream the games on ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and through services like Fubo, which provided comprehensive coverage from the first round through the championship.
Selection Show: The NIT also had its own Selection Show on Sunday, March 16, 2025, on ESPN2, where teams learned their postseason fate.
Attending the NIT: Tickets and Venue Information
For those who wished to experience the tournament in person, tickets for the semifinals and championship games at Hinkle Fieldhouse were available through platforms like AXS.com. Ticket prices varied, and resale tickets were also available, potentially above or below face value. Information regarding parking, food, and lodging was also provided to enhance the fan experience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the NIT
The 2025 NIT demonstrated the tournament’s continued relevance and ability to produce exciting basketball. With changes to the selection process and a commitment to featuring competitive teams, the NIT remains a valuable part of the college basketball landscape. It offers a platform for teams to conclude their seasons on a high note and for players to showcase their talents on a national stage.
FAQs
What is the National Invitation Tournament (NIT)?
The NIT is a prestigious NCAA Division I men’s college basketball postseason tournament. It features 32 teams that did not receive bids to the NCAA Tournament, offering them a competitive platform to showcase their skills. The 2025 edition marked the 87th iteration of the tournament.
When was the 2025 NIT held?
The tournament commenced on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and concluded with the championship game on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The initial rounds were played at campus sites, while the semifinals and finals were hosted at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Who won the 2025 NIT Championship?
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs clinched their first NIT title by defeating UC Irvine 85–84 in an overtime thriller. Trey Bonham of Chattanooga was named the Most Outstanding Player for his stellar performance.
How were teams selected for the 2025 NIT?
The 2025 NIT introduced a revamped selection process. Sixteen “exempt” teams were guaranteed bids, while other spots were filled by regular-season conference champions not selected for the NCAA Tournament and at-large selections based on performance metrics.
Which teams participated in the 2025 NIT?
Thirty-two teams competed, including notable programs like SMU, Dayton, UC Irvine, and San Francisco as top seeds. Six programs made their NIT debut: Cal State Northridge, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Northern Colorado, Samford, and UC Riverside.
How could fans watch the 2025 NIT games?
All games were broadcast live across ESPN platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. Additionally, Westwood One provided exclusive radio coverage for the semifinals and championship game.
Where were the semifinals and finals held?
The semifinals and championship game were played at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This venue has been a recurring host for the NIT’s concluding rounds.
What were some notable upsets or highlights?
Chattanooga’s journey to the title included a triple-overtime victory against Middle Tennessee and a significant win over top-seeded Dayton.
UC Irvine set a program record with 32 wins, showcasing their prowess throughout the tournament.
Were there any significant team opt-outs?
Yes, several major programs, including LSU, Wake Forest, and Pitt, declined NIT invitations. Reasons cited ranged from focusing on future seasons to concerns about potential losses affecting recruitment.
Who were the standout players of the tournament?
Trey Bonham (Chattanooga): Named Most Outstanding Player for his leadership and clutch performances.
Justin Hohn (UC Irvine): Instrumental in UC Irvine’s deep run.
Honor Huff (Chattanooga): Provided consistent scoring throughout the tournament.
Devin Tillis (UC Irvine): Key contributor in both offense and defense.
Atin Wright (North Texas): Notable for his scoring prowess.
How did the 2025 NIT differ from previous editions?
The 2025 NIT was marked by its new selection criteria, the emergence of mid-major programs, and the absence of several traditional powerhouses. These changes highlighted the evolving landscape of college basketball postseason play.
To conclude
The 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) stood as a testament to the dynamic nature of college basketball. With revamped selection processes and the rise of mid-major programs, the tournament showcased the depth and competitiveness present beyond the NCAA Tournament.
Chattanooga’s historic victory not only marked a significant achievement for the program but also underscored the opportunities the NIT provides for teams to make their mark on the national stage. Their journey, filled with resilience and determination, captivated fans and emphasized the essence of postseason play.
The tournament also highlighted the shifting dynamics within college basketball. The decision by several prominent programs to decline participation signaled a changing perspective on postseason engagements and the importance of strategic planning for future seasons.
Moreover, the 2025 NIT illuminated the potential and talent present in mid-major programs. Teams like UC Irvine demonstrated that excellence isn’t confined to traditional powerhouses, and their performances added depth and excitement to the tournament.
As the landscape of college basketball continues to evolve, the NIT remains a vital component of the postseason, offering teams a platform to compete, grow, and achieve recognition. The 2025 edition, with its memorable moments and transformative narratives, reaffirmed the tournament’s significance and its role in shaping the future of college basketball.
Looking ahead, the lessons and experiences from the 2025 NIT will undoubtedly influence team strategies, player development, and fan engagement, ensuring that the tournament continues to be a beacon of opportunity and excellence in the realm of college basketball.
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