NSU men’s hoops mourns following painful loss that cost it back-to-back national titles

Shane Hunter has watched the play about “10-to-15” times.

Each time, it ends in misery.

Nova Southeastern University lost 88-85 to Minnesota State in the NCAA Division II men’s basketball final on Saturday afternoon in Evansville, Indiana.

Minnesota State’s Kyreese Willingham made the game-winning 3-pointer from the right corner with 0.8 seconds left, and he shot it just barely over the reach of Hunter, NSU’s 6-foot-10 center.

“I was so close – maybe an inch or two,” Hunter said.

Willingham was originally guarded by MJ Iraldi. But when Iraldi stepped up to stop Minnesota State from penetrating into the lane, Hunter went flying out to that right corner, making sure not to foul.

Willingham clearly altered his shot to get the ball over Hunter.

“It was a moon ball,” Hunter said. “It wasn’t a normal shot.”

NSU coach Jim Crutchfield, who led NSU to its first basketball national title in 2023 and came ever-so close to repeating the feat on Saturday, said Willingham shot the 3-pointer because Minnesota State had nothing else.

“That’s all they could get,” Crutchfield said. “We had everything defended. That 3-pointer was shot from about as deep in that right corner as you can get.

“As soon as (Willingham) let that ball go, I said, ‘That’s not going in.’

“But it went in.”

It did indeed go in, ending NSU’s season with a 32-3 record. In fact, over the past three seasons, NSU went an impressive 99-4.

But despite all that success, Saturday’s loss will likely sting forever.

“I don’t think I’m going to get over it for quite a while;” said Crutchfield, calling it the most painful loss of his career. “It hurts. We’re all pretty invested in this.”

Minnesota State led by 10 points midway through the second half before NSU rallied behind its typically ferocious full-court press.

NSU was able to regain the lead, but the Sharks were ultimately doomed by an off night shooting. They made just 44.6 percent, including 5-of-9 on 3-pointers.

Minnesota State made 52.4 percent, including 14-of-32 on 3-pointers.

That 14-5 advantage on 3-pointers proved to be crucial.

“We were taking what was there, and we were getting to the rim so easily,” Crutchfield said. “But we missed 30 shots within five feet of the rim. (Minnesota State) had scouted who are shooters were, and they were locking them up.”

The best 3-point shooters for NSU on Saturday were Ryker Cisarik (3-for-3) and Iraldi (2-for-4). Iraldi made both of those 3-pointers late, putting NSU ahead before Minnesota State battled back.

Then, on NSU’s final full possession, with the score tied and less than one minute left, Iraldi drove the left side of the lane and tried to pass to Ryan Davis. However, Minnesota State intercepted, and that set up the game winning shot.

“I thought I had the angle,” Iraldi said of his initial drive. “But they switched … (The pass) was a misjudgment on my part.”

The good news for NSU is that Iraldi said he plans to return to the Sharks next season.

The bad news is that Hunter – who is hoping to play pro ball overseas next season – is one of five seniors who are out of college eligibility. That list includes starting point guard Ike Fuller and key reserves Mike Moore, Trey Doomes and GianFranco Grafals.

“The five seniors will be missed, but I have full confidence in the guys returning,” Iraldi said. “And I know (Crutchfield and assistant coach Nick Smith) will bring in the right pieces.”

But that’s next season.

For now, the Sharks are still dealing with the emotional pain of Saturday’s loss.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Iraldi said. “I’m happy with how we did as a team, putting ourselves in position to win the national title. But that last shot is hard to process.

“I’ve watched the final three or four possessions too many times to count. I get more frustrated each time I watch it.”