In a thrilling NIT semifinal, UC Irvine overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat North Texas 69-67, marking a historic 32nd win for the Anteaters. Senior Devin Tillis contributed significantly with 16 points and 11 rebounds. This victory sets the Anteaters up for their first-ever NIT championship game against Chattanooga. Tillis expressed that winning would be monumental for the team and the community, particularly after previous disappointments in pursuit of an NCAA tournament bid. With high expectations, the team aims to conclude their season on a triumphant note.
"We've done it before all year," Tillis told the NCAA's Andy Katz during a postgame interview. "We have a bunch of different guys who can make plays happen. ... Somebody's going to make some shots, somebody's going to make some plays."
"It would mean everything to us, to our community," he said. "... We've experienced the disappointment the last couple of years to be in the NIT almost every year. But be able to win it and not only put UC Irvine on the map, but have our seniors leave a legacy ... that would mean the world to everybody."
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