After an electrifying triple-overtime victory against Middle Tennessee State, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team is gearing up to host the top-seeded Dayton Flyers in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. ET, the game promises to be a highlight of postseason basketball, broadcasted nationally on ESPN2.
The Mocs, boasting a record of 25-9, are set to face the Flyers, who come in with a 23-10 season record. This matchup marks the 12th clash between the two teams, with the Mocs holding the advantage from their last encounter on December 12, 2015, when they triumphed over Dayton with a narrow 61-59 win. This will be the first home postseason game for the Mocs since March 12, 1987, when they faced Cleveland State in the NIT.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the men’s game. After the Mocs battle it out with Dayton, the women’s basketball team will also be making their presence felt in the Women’s NIT (WNIT), facing Alabama A&M later that day in the Roundhouse.
The highly anticipated game against Dayton will be held inside the McKenzie Arena, a venue that has seen its fair share of thrilling moments. For the Mocs, this will be only their fifth postseason home game in program history, having a 2-2 record in previous NIT matchups.
The past clash with Middle Tennessee State not only let Chattanooga advance but showcased some individual brilliance on the court. In that memorable game, the Mocs edged out MTSU with a heart-stopping 109-103 victory, demonstrating resilience and tenacity in an exhausting triple-overtime battle. MTSU coach Nick McDevitt reflected on the game, stating it was “a great college basketball game,” and expressed pride in how his team battled throughout, despite the disappointing outcome.
Among standout performances, Chattanooga’s Bash Wieland led with an impressive 31 points, complemented by teammates Trey Bonham and Collin Mulholland, who scored 27 and 21 points, respectively. On the other side, Cam Weston from MTSU delivered a career-high 31 points before fouling out in the second overtime, while Essam Mostafa contributed significantly with 30 points and 16 rebounds.
The thrilling victory over MTSU, coupled with their stellar season, has certainly set the stage for their upcoming matchup against Dayton. The Mocs are entering the game with high expectations, eager to capitalize on their home-court advantage and continue their quest for the NIT championship.
With the entire city cheering them on, fans are encouraged to join in the excitement. Tickets for the game against Dayton can be purchased through the Chattanooga ticket office or via their website. General admission tickets are available, and students can secure tickets for just $15, showing support for their fellow student-athletes.
Chattanooga has a storied history within collegiate basketball, and the current season has only added to its rich legacy. As they prepare to face Dayton, the Mocs are looking to make a statement in the NIT, demonstrating that they can compete at the highest level and bring pride to their community.
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown in McKenzie Arena. Fans and players alike are ready to witness memorable moments of college basketball as the Mocs aim to continue their journey through the NIT—and fans can expect a full day of hoops, with the women’s match against Alabama A&M following suit.
This upcoming round in the NIT not only marks a return to postseason play for the Mocs but also emphasizes their growth throughout the season. Coach McDevitt has commended his players' performance and determination, reminding them and the fans that they should be proud of the team's journey thus far.
As the basketball battles unfold in Chattanooga, the community unites in support of their teams, exemplifying the spirit of collegiate athletics. With a storied past and aims for a bright future, the Mocs are set to leave their mark on this year's NIT.
For all the latest news and updates regarding the Mocs, fans can follow @GoMocsMBB on social media platforms or visit GoMocs.com to stay connected.
