Mary Washington Caps First DIII Men’s Title with Last‑Second Shot

Indianapolis, April 5, 2026 — In a drama that will linger in Division III lore, the University of Mary Washington Eagles secured their inaugural men’s basketball national championship. Sophomore forward Colin Mitchell nailed a put‑back as the final horn sounded, sealing a 75‑73 win over the Emory Eagles at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Emory rallied from a 13‑point second‑half hole, tying the game with a three‑pointer and forcing overtime. Mitchell’s decisive basket, coming just after Emory’s clutch three with 10.9 seconds left, snapped the tie and forced the game into a historic finish.

The Eagles finished the night 75‑73, out‑rebounding Emory 39‑47 but forcing 15 turnovers while committing only eight. It marks the school’s fourth national title of any sport and the first for a men’s team since the women’s tennis squad captured the 1991 championship.