Chattanooga Mocs Defeat Dayton Flyers 87-72 In NIT Second Round

In an exciting battle on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Chattanooga Mocs triumphed over the Dayton Flyers 87-72 in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) held in McKenzie Arena. This victory secured Chattanooga a spot in the NIT Quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement for the program, especially as this is their first appearance in the NIT since 1987.

Honor Huff led the Mocs with 26 points, while Trey Bonham contributed 25 points to the team’s impressive win. The Mocs showcased their offensive prowess right from the start, making 11 of their first 17 shots for an excellent shooting percentage of 64.7%. With this win, Chattanooga improved their record to 26-9, maintaining a strong momentum by winning 14 of their last 15 games.

Chattanooga started strong and never trailed throughout the game, leading by nine points (73-64) at the final media timeout with just 3:30 left on the clock. Their largest lead expanded to 15 points (63-48) in the second half. After a steady performance, including a noteworthy three-point play by Huff and a subsequent technical foul on Dayton Coach Anthony Grant, the Mocs effectively sealed their victory.

Nate Santos was the standout for Dayton, scoring 18 points. Other contributors included Enoch Cheeks and Javon Bennett, who both scored 15 points. Despite showing resilience, the Flyers could not overcome Chattanooga's strong start and a disciplined defense that capitalized on turnovers, leading to a 14-2 advantage in points off turnovers.

While the Mocs enjoyed impressive scoring and rebounding numbers, including an overall shooting percentage of 57.1%, Dayton struggled to keep up during critical moments of the game. This win pushes Chattanooga into their second-ever NIT Quarterfinals, the last time being back in 1985 against Louisville.

Chattanooga's journey to the NIT Quarterfinals is a story of resiliency and determination, underscored by players like Honor Huff and Trey Bonham. Notably, Huff’s five three-pointers highlighted his capability as a sharp shooter, joining him as part of an offensive strategy that has propelled the Mocs in recent weeks.

The Mocs did not just celebrate this win for its immediate implications but also for the historical context it represents. With this victory, the Mocs have now matched their best season record since 2021-22 when they went 27-7. Furthermore, they are set to face the winner of the matchup between George Mason and Bradley, a detail that has fans eagerly anticipating the next phase of the tournament.

In terms of individual achievements, Bash Wieland notably scored his 1,000th career point in this game, illustrating the dedication and skill that define the current roster. Meanwhile, Garrison Keeslar’s defensive presence on the court offered a game-high +19 plus/minus score, further emphasizing the importance of teamwork in securing the Mocs’ victory.

The players’ unity and synergy manifested not only in their scoring ability but also in their commitment to defense, as evidenced by their ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on Dayton’s mistakes. With key performances from players such as Bonham, who contributed eight rebounds to his scoring, the Mocs showcased an all-around game that has become characteristic of their playstyle.

Shooting well from beyond the arc, the Mocs' success can be attributed to their collective efforts on both ends of the court. As they prepare for the upcoming match, it is evident that their focus remains unyielded, with the determination to excel and continue their journey within the tournament.

Chattanooga’s performance serves as a reminder that during this unpredictable tournament, one must seize opportunities when they arise. This victory has rejuvenated their confidence, given their recent form, and instills hope among fans and players alike as they look toward a potential run deeper into the tournament. As they gear up for their Quarterfinal matchup, expectations are high for this resolute Mocs team eager to prove themselves on the national stage.