Xavier edges Texas A&M for 1st NIT title since 1958

If this was the final NIT championship sport at Madison Sq. Backyard, it actually was a thriller.

Particularly for Xavier.

Jack Nunge made the go-ahead basket with 3.1 seconds left and the Musketeers gained their first NIT crown in 64 years Thursday night time, rallying for a 73-72 victory over Texas A&M.

Colby Jones scored 21 factors for Xavier (23-13) and was chosen the match’s most excellent participant. Dwon Odom added 18, and Nunge had 15 factors and 11 rebounds to assist the Musketeers erase an eight-point halftime deficit underneath interim coach Jonas Hayes.

“I can’t say sufficient about our guys,” Hayes stated. “That’s what Xavier basketball is.”

It was the ultimate Nationwide Invitation Event title sport at Madison Sq. Backyard for at the least a couple of years — breaking a school basketball custom that dates to 1938.

MSG gained’t host the semifinals and finals anymore in 2023 and 2024, the NIT introduced this week, saying a bid course of has begun to search out new websites for these years. Nothing has been determined about 2025 and past.

“Madison Sq. Backyard is a particular court docket,” Nunge stated. “All people is aware of the texture once you’re enjoying on the market and also you simply wish to give it your all — all of the historical past that’s there. I’m simply grateful to be a part of this crew and have our names within the report books.”

Quenton Jackson scored 23 factors for the Aggies (27-13), neglected of the NCAA Event regardless of reaching the SEC closing, the place they misplaced to Tennessee. It was a shocking snub by the choice committee that drew criticism from Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams and others.

After getting over their disappointment, the Aggies practically took the comfort prize.

“It’s been nice. One of many higher experiences I’ve had enjoying basketball,” Jackson stated. “We have been by way of loads this yr. Loads of ups, plenty of downs, however by way of all of it I feel we’ve all discovered simply tips on how to persevere and stay resilient by way of every thing.”

In a championship sport with 17 lead modifications, Adam Kunkel made considered one of two free throws to offer second-seeded Xavier a 71-70 benefit with 1:28 left.

Jackson was fouled by Odom on a drive and sank each free throws to place the top-seeded Aggies in entrance with 27 seconds remaining.

Texas A&M blocked a shot out of bounds on the opposite finish, and Xavier inbounded from the baseline. Jones discovered Nunge inside and he wheeled into the lane and banked in a one-handed turnaround shot that put Xavier forward 73-72.

“Ever since Jonas has taken over as head coach, we haven’t actually had any out-of-bounds performs,” Nunge stated. “I attempted to name — have a look at the bench and name a easy one all people is aware of, and Colby checked out me and stated he was going to throw me the ball, and I used to be lucky sufficient to knock down the shot.”

After a timeout by the Aggies, they nonetheless had an opportunity to win. Tyrece Radford dribbled up the left facet and tossed up a runner from the 3-point line that rimmed out.

“Unbelievable sport,” stated Hayes, his NIT championship T-shirt soaked. “I assumed our guys met the problem. I’m lucky sufficient to have had the chance to steer these guys for a pair weeks, and these guys deserve the quantity of success they’ve.”

Nunge grabbed the rebound on the buzzer to seal Xavier’s second NIT championship. The opposite one got here in 1958.

After a disappointing flop within the Massive East this season, the Musketeers took off within the NIT regardless of dropping senior guard Paul Scruggs to a torn knee ligament.

“What has occurred of their program during the last two weeks is historic and any AD that has a job opening ought to rent the undefeated head coach at Xavier, Coach Hayes,” Williams stated.

Hayes took over when head coach Travis Steele was fired following Xavier’s victory over Cleveland State within the first spherical of the NIT.

Sean Miller, the previous Arizona coach, was employed for his second stint at Xavier and can now take cost of this system. A smiling Miller, who additionally coached the Musketeers from 2004-09, watched from the MSG stands Thursday night time.

Radford completed with 15 factors and Hassan Diarra, a New York Metropolis native, added 12 for the Aggies.

Texas A&M had a 10-point lead, its largest of the night time, late within the first half.

Jackson and Diarra mixed for 22 factors to offer the Aggies a 40-32 edge on the break. Texas A&M shot 14 for 25 from the sector.

Diarra got here off the bench to spark a 18-10 surge over the ultimate six minutes of the primary half. His layup evened it 26-all and he capped a 7-0 spurt with a 3-pointer that prolonged the Aggies’ result in 31-26.

Jackson then took benefit of a Xavier turnover and ignited one other 7-0 run with a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws earlier than Radford tipped in Jackson’s miss to make it 40-30.

IN THE GARDEN

Attendance was 3,551 as Xavier turned the 83rd NIT champion topped at Madison Sq. Backyard.

The occasion has been performed yearly at MSG since its inception in 1938. Final yr was an exception, when the entire match was held in North Texas with a lowered discipline due to the coronavirus pandemic that additionally pressured cancellation of the 2020 version.