Sports
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Chattanooga Shocks Loyola in NIT Semifinals
Chattanooga Mocs Shock Loyola Chicago in Historic NIT Semifinal Matchup
INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Mocs made history Tuesday night, defeating Loyola Chicago 25-11 in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This marks the Mocs' first-ever appearance in the NIT semifinals. The game took place in the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus of Butler University, known as "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral" and the filming location of the 1986 movie "Hoosiers."
While the historic setting provided a dramatic backdrop, the Mocs' focus remained firmly on the game. Despite the arena's connection to the beloved basketball film, most players admitted limited familiarity with "Hoosiers." Trey Bonham, whose game-winning shot against Bradley propelled UTC to the semifinals, confessed he knew little about college basketball history, stating, "I thought it was about the Indiana Hoosiers. I didn’t know it was filmed here." Other players echoed similar sentiments, highlighting a generation gap in movie preferences.
However, the team did draw comparisons between the film's gruff but ultimately successful coach, Norman Dale, and their own head coach, Dan Earl. Senior guard Jack Kostel noted the similarity, stating, "When you think of Coach, that's a great comparison. You think of an old-school guy, and Coach Earl compares to him a lot." Senior forward Garrison Keeslar agreed, characterizing Earl as "a tad bit of the old school."
This victory is particularly sweet for the Mocs, as it's their third time playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse, with previous visits ending in defeat. In 2014, they lost 70-48, and in 2011, they fell 57-46. This time, however, the Mocs proved their mettle, overcoming their past losses to secure a place in the NIT championship game. While the historical significance of Hinkle Fieldhouse was acknowledged, the team's focus remained steadfast on achieving their ultimate goal: securing the NIT championship title. The Mocs advance to the championship game on Thursday.
INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Mocs made history Tuesday night, defeating Loyola Chicago 25-11 in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This marks the Mocs' first-ever appearance in the NIT semifinals. The game took place in the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse on the campus of Butler University, known as "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral" and the filming location of the 1986 movie "Hoosiers."
While the historic setting provided a dramatic backdrop, the Mocs' focus remained firmly on the game. Despite the arena's connection to the beloved basketball film, most players admitted limited familiarity with "Hoosiers." Trey Bonham, whose game-winning shot against Bradley propelled UTC to the semifinals, confessed he knew little about college basketball history, stating, "I thought it was about the Indiana Hoosiers. I didn’t know it was filmed here." Other players echoed similar sentiments, highlighting a generation gap in movie preferences.
However, the team did draw comparisons between the film's gruff but ultimately successful coach, Norman Dale, and their own head coach, Dan Earl. Senior guard Jack Kostel noted the similarity, stating, "When you think of Coach, that's a great comparison. You think of an old-school guy, and Coach Earl compares to him a lot." Senior forward Garrison Keeslar agreed, characterizing Earl as "a tad bit of the old school."
This victory is particularly sweet for the Mocs, as it's their third time playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse, with previous visits ending in defeat. In 2014, they lost 70-48, and in 2011, they fell 57-46. This time, however, the Mocs proved their mettle, overcoming their past losses to secure a place in the NIT championship game. While the historical significance of Hinkle Fieldhouse was acknowledged, the team's focus remained steadfast on achieving their ultimate goal: securing the NIT championship title. The Mocs advance to the championship game on Thursday.
