The Division III Men’s Basketball National Championship game between Mount Union and Christopher Newport ended in dramatic fashion, coming down to the final possession.
Both teams came into the game with extremely impressive records. Mount Union entered at 30-2 on the year, while Christopher Newport was 29-3.
Mount Union player Christian Parker tied up the game at 72 apiece with a layup. This led to a frantic final possession for Christopher Newport that caught the attention of the college basketball world.
CNU star Trey Barber proceeded to take the inbound pass and drive it the length of the court, putting up and making the game-winning layup as time expired.
TREY BARBER WITH A BUZZER-BEATER TO GIVE CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY THE DIVISION III TITLE! 🏀🧅🧅 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Tbch5zurCi
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 18, 2023
This game-winning shot gave Barber 25 points in the game, and more importantly, helped CNU come away with their first Division III title.
Division III basketball often gets overshadowed by the excitement around the Division I NCAA Tournament. However, many took notice of the wild finish and praised Barber and his teammates for their unreal resilience in this game.
Was just at this game live! Last 40 seconds was crazy!! https://t.co/WWYtKXszsL
— Chizzy the Gamer (@ChizzyDub) March 18, 2023
BIG SHOUT OUT 2 Christopher Newport Univ! CONGRATULATIONS @CNUBasketball on winning the @NCAADIII MBB Nat’l Championship! On a game winning shot 2! What a season for the Captains & Newport News, VA hometown college achieve this! Had me cheerin’ & going wild on that game winner.… https://t.co/eoLoR5XBC9
— Jonathan Cumpston (@SliderBoys) March 18, 2023
Just an awesome moment to be fortunate to call. A buzzer-beater finish for a national championship is about as good as it gets. So fun to broadcast on @CBSSportsNet with @COACH_MOCASSARA. March always Marches. https://t.co/DqWjYGD3vo
— Chris Lewis (@ChrisLewisTweet) March 18, 2023
Put him in the CNU Hall of Fame immediately! https://t.co/kl6OR4kSFx
— T. Richard (@Chowda60) March 18, 2023
Proud alum. Congratulations to Coach Krikorian and his team. Incredibly gutty bunch of wins! @CNUathletics https://t.co/b12dgQ3MNL
— Paul Crowley (@coachpcrowley) March 18, 2023
It could end up being an extremely special month for CNU athletics. Their women’s basketball team is also competing in the National Championship game after winning their semifinal matchup against Rhode Island College on Saturday as well.
WHAT A DAY TO BE A CAPTAIN!
CNU Women's Basketball is headed to the National Championship. #D3Hoops pic.twitter.com/Gd1Mu17cpG— CNU Athletics (@CNUathletics) March 18, 2023
They will have their chance to win the Women’s title against the winner of Saturday’s matchup between Transylvania and Smith College.
[The Comeback on Twitter] Photo Credit: CBS Sports Network
