Mary Washington Wins First Division III Men's Basketball Title with Buzzer-Beater Victory over Emory

The University of Mary Washington secured its first NCAA Division III men's basketball national championship with a 75-73 victory over Emory University on Sunday in Indianapolis. The game, held at the NCAA Division III championship, concluded with a dramatic putback by Colin Mitchell at the buzzer.

Mary Washington led for much of the contest but faced a late rally from Emory. The Eagles narrowed the deficit in the final minutes, setting the stage for a tense finish. Mitchell's rebound and score off a missed shot ensured the win for the Eagles of Mary Washington.

The matchup represented the title game of the 2023-24 NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament. Mary Washington, based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, entered the final with a strong season record, having advanced through earlier rounds. Emory, from Atlanta, Georgia, reached the championship after defeating other Division III opponents in the tournament bracket.

Division III basketball features schools that do not offer athletic scholarships, emphasizing student-athlete balance. The championship took place at a neutral site in Indianapolis, a common host for NCAA events. Approximately 5,000 spectators attended the game, according to tournament reports.

the game, Mary Washington maintained a lead, though Emory mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. Specific scoring details include contributions from multiple players on both teams, with Mary Washington outscoring Emory in key segments. Mitchell's final play came after a teammate's shot rimmed out, allowing him to tip it in for the decisive points.

Post-game, Mary Washington coach Chris Gilleland commented on the team's resilience. The victory caps a season where the Eagles compiled a 28-4 record, per season statistics. Emory finished with a 25-6 record, marking their appearance in the national final.

This win provides Mary Washington with its first Division III title in men's basketball since joining the NCAA in 1975. The program, part of the Capital Athletic Conference, now holds a place in Division III history. For Emory, the loss ends a competitive season but highlights their status as a top program in the University Athletic Association.

Next steps include off-season preparations for both teams, with Mary Washington set to defend its title in the 2024-25 season. The NCAA will announce the full all-tournament team and individual awards in the coming days.