Date: March 30, 2025
Location: Ford Center, Evansville, Indiana

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) reclaimed their place atop Division II basketball, defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills 74–73 in a dramatic NCAA D2 national championship showdown. It was a game that had everything—momentum swings, heroic efforts, and late-game officiating controversy that left fans, players, and coaches buzzing.

A Battle to the Final Possession

The championship clash delivered in every way. Nova, one of the premier programs in D2 basketball over the last several seasons, faced a determined and explosive Cal State Dominguez Hills squad making its first-ever national championship appearance. The Toros brought toughness and skill, leading 42–38 at halftime and keeping the pressure on the Sharks throughout the second half.

Nova struggled at times to contain the Toros’ high-powered offense, but they stayed in striking distance, relying on their depth, defensive pressure, and poise in crunch time.

Controversial Calls Mar the Finish

With less than two minutes remaining and the Toros up by one, a sequence of fouls drastically altered the game’s trajectory. Cal State’s star guard fouled out on a borderline offensive foul call, followed by another questionable whistle against their leading rebounder on a loose-ball play. The Toros, already playing short-handed due to foul trouble, were left scrambling.

NSU capitalized. Guard MJ Iraldi was fouled with just under 20 seconds remaining and coolly knocked down both free throws to give Nova the lead, 74–73. On the final possession, Cal State had a chance to win it, but their game-winning attempt bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

Nova's Redemption Run

This victory was more than just another trophy—it was redemption. After winning the 2023 national championship and falling short in 2024’s Final Four, the Sharks returned with a chip on their shoulder.

Led by Iraldi’s 27 points and 9 rebounds, Nova showed grit in the face of adversity. The Sharks shot 46% from the field and forced 18 turnovers, using their signature tempo and team-first mentality to wear down opponents late.

Head Coach Jim Crutchfield, now with two national titles at NSU, praised his team’s resilience:

“This group never gave up. We’ve had our share of highs and heartbreaks over the past three seasons, but they stayed locked in. Tonight, they earned everything.”

Respect for Cal State Dominguez Hills

Despite the loss, Cal State Dominguez Hills put the nation on notice. Their run to the championship was filled with grit and high-level execution, including wins over multiple top-ranked programs. They played with discipline and heart, and their fanbase showed up loud and proud in Evansville.

The program’s breakthrough year will be remembered for setting a new standard in the CCAA and building momentum for the seasons to come.

A Legacy in Motion

Since 2022, Nova Southeastern has built one of the most respected legacies in Division II basketball: a perfect 36–0 season and national title, a Final Four appearance, and now a second championship in three years. They continue to recruit, develop, and dominate at a level that demands national attention.

This win wasn’t just about hardware—it was about legacy. The Sharks have risen from a regional power to a national name in college hoops.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NCAA Division II Championship game will go down as one of the most intense and controversial in recent memory. While Cal State Dominguez Hills nearly completed their Cinderella story, it was Nova Southeastern who made the final play—and walked away champions once again.

The dynasty is real. The grit is undeniable. The Sharks are back on top.

Watch full highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content now at BallerTube.com.