Randy Smith: Mocs Making More NIT Memories

Coach Dan Earl has his Chattanooga Mocs in the semi-finals of the National Invitation Tournament and their recent 67-65 win over Bradley brought back some great memories. 2025 marks the fifth NIT appearance for the Mocs, their first since 1987. After winning the Southern Conference title, advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 1981,1982 and 1983, the Mocs found themselves on the outside looking in when their name wasn't called on selection Sunday in 1984.

After all, UTC fans were spoiled a bit by their NCAA success and when the Mocs received a call inviting them to play in the NIT, a lot of them were very disappointed. However, head coach Murray Arnold was happy, though cautiously optimistic. His theory was simple: If you play in the NCAA Tournament you will likely play one game and go home but the NIT gives you a better shot at playing more than one game, giving your program more publicity. So, the 1984 Mocs would face Georgia from the SEC at the " Roundhouse " in round one. UTC scored a 74-69 win over the Bulldogs moving them to round two against Tennessee in Knoxville.

This was a game UTC fans were looking forward to. Big brother Tennessee had won the last meeting in 1982 when they dedicated the new arena and the Mocs faithful were chomping at the bit for revenge. They bought every ticket Tennessee would sell them and helped pack the Stokely Center. The Vols prevailed however 68-66 in a heartbreaking loss for the Mocs as they ended their season 24-7.

The Mocs returned to the NIT the following season along with some big-time names in college basketball. UCLA, Tennessee, Wake Forest and Indiana were among the teams joining UTC in the field of 32. The Mocs would host Clemson in round one and they came away with a thrilling 67-65 win over the Tigers. The next stop was at Lamar in Texas and Gerald Wilkins hit a jumper at the buzzer sending the game into overtime. UTC would prevail 85-84 setting up a quarter-final round game at Louisville against Denny Crum and the Cardinals. Some shoddy officiating led Louisville to a 71-66 win, as the Mocs ended 1085 with a 24-8 mark.

Mack McCarthy took the Mocs to back to back NIT appearances in 1986 and in 1987. They lost first round games both seasons losing to Georgia, then to Cleveland State ( Ohio ) the following season. UTC is 6-4 all time in NIT play. The Mocs will face the winner of the quarter-final contest between Kent State and Loyola-Chicago on April 1st in Indianapolis. The final-four of the NIT will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2.