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Emory Today
By the People, for the People
Mary Washington Wins Division III Basketball Title on Buzzer-Beater
Eagles capture first national championship in program history with dramatic final-second victory over Emory.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:11am
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The dramatic final seconds of the Division III national title game are captured in a cubist, geometric painting that reflects the intensity and unpredictability of the game-winning buzzer-beater.Emory TodayThe NCAA Division III men's basketball national championship game came down to the wire, with Mary Washington University defeating Emory University 62-60 on a last-second putback by junior forward Colin Mitchell as time expired to clinch the Eagles' first-ever national title.
Why it matters
This marks the first national championship in Mary Washington's basketball history, capping off a remarkable Cinderella run for the small public university in Virginia. The dramatic finish also showcases the excitement and unpredictability of Division III athletics, where talented student-athletes compete passionately for the love of the game.
The details
With the score tied 60-60 and just seconds remaining, Mary Washington's Mitchell grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a putback layup as the buzzer sounded, setting off a wild celebration on the court and among the Eagles' fans in attendance. The game-winning play came after Emory had rallied from a double-digit second-half deficit to tie the score in the final minute.
- The NCAA Division III national championship game was played on April 5, 2026.
- Mary Washington and Emory were tied 60-60 with just seconds remaining in regulation.
The players
Colin Mitchell
A junior forward for Mary Washington University who scored the game-winning buzzer-beater to clinch the national championship.
Mary Washington University
A public university in Fredericksburg, Virginia that captured its first-ever NCAA Division III men's basketball national title.
Emory University
A private research university in Atlanta, Georgia that was the runner-up in the 2026 NCAA Division III men's basketball national championship game.
What they’re saying
“I can't believe it, this is a dream come true! Our team fought so hard all season and to win it all like this is just incredible.”
— Colin Mitchell, Mary Washington Junior Forward
“We gave it everything we had, but Mary Washington made the play at the end. Hats off to them, they deserved to win that game.”
— Mike Duffy, Emory Head Coach
What’s next
Mary Washington University will hold a victory parade and celebration for the basketball team and fans on the Fredericksburg campus on April 11, 2026.
The takeaway
This thrilling Division III national championship game showcased the passion, talent, and competitive spirit of student-athletes at the non-scholarship level of college basketball. Mary Washington's first-time title win will be remembered as an iconic moment in the university's history and a testament to the excitement of March Madness at all levels of the NCAA.
