Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis was the epicenter of college basketball excitement as Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosted a tripleheader of championship action — the NCAA Division II and III National Championship Games, followed by the NIT title game. Fans were treated to a marathon of emotion, intensity, and unforgettable performances that showcased the very best of college basketball.
Division II National Championship: Gannon 84, Lander 61
The day began with a statement victory from Gannon University, who captured their first-ever national title in commanding fashion, defeating Lander University 84–61. Sophomore guard Pace Prosser was the star of the show, delivering a dominant 28-point, 11-rebound performance that set the tone early. His energy and shot-making ability were unmatched, as he controlled the game from start to finish. Sekasi Lucas added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Morgan Mackenzie and Morgan Lucas chipped in 12 and 11 points respectively, giving Gannon a balanced offensive attack. The Golden Knights’ defense was equally impressive, holding Lander to just 38% shooting from the field.
For Lander, Dylan Canoville fought hard with 14 points and 10 rebounds, showing grit in the paint. Jacob Daniels added 11 points, and Greyson Pritzi contributed 6 rebounds, but the Bearcats couldn’t keep pace with Gannon’s relentless tempo. The win marked a historic moment for Gannon, as they lifted their first national championship trophy in program history.
Division III National Championship: Mary Washington 75, Emory 73
The second game of the day delivered pure March Madness drama. Mary Washington edged Emory University 75–73 on a buzzer-beater that sent their fans into a frenzy. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team leading by more than six points in the second half.
Kye Robinson was sensational, scoring 27 points and grabbing 8 rebounds while hitting clutch shots down the stretch. Jay Randall added 14 points, and Kaden Bates recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the Eagles on both ends.
Emory’s Jair Knight and Ethan Fauss each scored 24 points, with Fauss connecting on six three-pointers to keep Emory within striking distance. Mario Awasum was a force on the glass, pulling down 19 rebounds to go with 9 points. However, Mary Washington’s defense was the difference, holding Emory’s leading scorer Ben Pearce to just 10 points on 1-for-8 shooting.
The game ended on a put-back of a Kye Robinson shot at the buzzer by Colin Mitchell. The victory gave Mary Washington a storybook ending to their season and a national title to remember.
NIT Championship: Auburn 92, Tulsa 86 (OT)
The nightcap was a thriller that capped off an unforgettable day. Auburn claimed the NIT Championship in overtime, outlasting a resilient Tulsa team that refused to quit. The Tigers built a commanding 21-point lead in the first half, only to see Tulsa storm back with a furious rally. Tulsa had a 3-point lead in the final seconds but couldn’t inbound the ball in time. Auburn cashed in with a Kevin Overton three-pointer to send the game into overtime. It was another situation where a team lost a game due to being unable to inbound the ball.
In the end, Auburn’s depth and poise prevailed. Overton led the way with a spectacular 26-point performance, knocking down five three-pointers and delivering clutch baskets when his team needed them most. Tahaad Pettiford orchestrated the offense beautifully, finishing with 24 points and 8 assists, controlling the tempo in overtime. Keyshawn Hall was a force inside, recording a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Elijah Freeman dominated the glass with 14 rebounds, giving Auburn crucial second-chance opportunities. Off the bench, Sebastian Williams-Adams provided a huge spark, scoring 13 points and bringing energy on both ends of the floor.
Tulsa’s comeback effort was led by David Green, who poured in 25 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, showing tremendous leadership. However, Green shot only 1-of-7 on 3’s. Tyler Riley added 20 points, hitting big shots during the rally that brought the Golden Hurricane back into contention, while Ade Popoola chipped in 13 points with timely buckets in the second half.
Despite Tulsa’s valiant effort, Auburn’s composure in overtime sealed the deal. The Tigers executed down the stretch, hitting free throws and making key defensive stops to secure the 89–84 victory. The win capped off a strong postseason run for Auburn, who showcased their resilience, depth, and championship mentality.
From the opening tip of the Division II final to the final buzzer of the NIT overtime thriller, Gainbridge Fieldhouse delivered a day of basketball that fans will remember for years. Three championships, three unforgettable stories, and one incredible stage — Indianapolis once again proved why it’s one of the great basketball cities in America
This article was written by Andrew Keeling and Carl Berman of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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