Mary Washington Wins First DIII Title on Buzzer-Beater

Mary Washington's basketball team just wrote the perfect ending to their Cinderella season, claiming their first national championship on a last-second shot that sent the Gainbridge Fieldhouse into pandemonium.

The Eagles defeated Emory 75-73 on April 5, capping a remarkable run through the NCAA Division III tournament. After entering as one of 64 teams on March 2, Mary Washington won six straight games to reach the finals, including nail-biting victories over Wisconsin-La Crosse and UChicago in earlier rounds.

The championship game lived up to the hype. Neither team led by more than a handful of points all night, trading baskets in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession.

Mary Washington's path to glory started with a dominant 86-55 win over Worcester State in the opening round. From there, the Eagles navigated increasingly tight contests, winning their quarterfinal by eight points and their semifinal against Trinity (Connecticut) by just three.

Emory entered the finals as a formidable opponent, having scored 101 points against Yeshiva in an earlier round and defeating Christopher Newport 72-58 in the semifinals. The Eagles had beaten quality competition all tournament long, but they saved their best moment for last.

Why This Inspires

This championship represents more than just a trophy for Mary Washington. The program had never reached college basketball's pinnacle before, making this victory a historic first for the school and its community in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

College basketball at the Division III level showcases the sport in its purest form. These student-athletes play for the love of the game, not scholarships or professional prospects, making their dedication and success even more meaningful.

The tournament itself demonstrated the unpredictability and magic of March basketball. From Yeshiva's upset runs to Hood's 114-point scoring explosion, the 2026 tournament produced countless memorable moments before Mary Washington provided the perfect finale.

One buzzer-beater, six wins, and a lifetime of memories for a program that reached the mountaintop for the first time.