LIU's Eddie Munyak scores in NCAA Tournament blowout loss to Arizona

Bench players get their moment to shine in the final minutes of the lopsided game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:23am

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In a 92-58 blowout loss to top-seeded Arizona in the NCAA Tournament, Long Island University's Eddie Munyak, who had only played in one game all season, checked in late and drained a three-pointer, giving him a memorable March Madness moment despite his team's defeat. Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd praised Munyak's accomplishment, acknowledging the hard work of bench players who don't often get playing time.

Why it matters

The story highlights the unsung heroes of March Madness - the bench players who toil in practice and rarely get their chance to shine, but are able to savor a special moment when they do get on the court, even in a lopsided game. It's a reminder that college basketball is about more than just the stars, and that the NCAA Tournament provides opportunities for players of all roles to create lasting memories.

The details

With Arizona comfortably ahead, LIU's Eddie Munyak, who had only played in one game all season, checked into the game in the final minute. When the ball swung his way, Munyak launched a three-pointer that banked in off the backboard, giving him a memorable NCAA Tournament moment despite his team's lopsided defeat. Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd praised Munyak's accomplishment, saying the shot would be something the LIU player would remember for the rest of his life.

  • With just under a minute left in the game, Eddie Munyak checked in for LIU.
  • Munyak hit a three-pointer in the final minute of the game.

The players

Eddie Munyak

A LIU sophomore who had only played in one game all season prior to checking in during the final minute of the NCAA Tournament game against Arizona.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who praised Munyak's accomplishment and acknowledged the hard work of bench players who don't often get playing time.

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What they’re saying

“He was excited. Not every kid that plays college basketball gets this moment, gets this opportunity. Happy for him.”

— Jaden Bradley, Arizona guard

“I mean, listen, you feel good for that young man. That's an awesome moment in his life that he'll never forget. College basketball is special, and I think in this NCAA Tournament, there's a lot of amazing stories. That's what makes it great theater.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Arizona head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the unsung heroes of March Madness - the bench players who work hard in practice but rarely get their chance to shine. Even in a blowout loss, Eddie Munyak's three-pointer provided a memorable moment that he'll cherish for the rest of his life, reminding us that college basketball is about more than just the stars.