In a stunning upset at The Basketball Tournament, We Are D3 defeated the heavily favored Boeheim’s Army (BA) 81–78, showcasing the incredible talent of Ty Nichols, who exploded for 36 points. Entering the tournament as the No. 1 seed, BA found themselves taken aback by the fourth-seeded underdogs who displayed remarkable composure and tenacity throughout the game.
The match began with BA asserting an early lead, as Chris McCullough opened scoring with a fadeaway jumper, followed by back-to-back three-pointers from Buddy Boeheim and Elijah Hughes, giving them an 8-0 advantage. Despite BA’s shooting and quick ball movement from beyond the arc, We Are D3 remained competitive, thanks in part to Nichols’ contributions, which included a crucial corner three that kept D3 within striking distance.
In the second quarter, D3’s resolve began to show. Nichols continued to demonstrate his two-way capability, converting layups and crucial three-pointers while BA’s Rakeem Christmas provided expanded defensive efforts. By halftime, D3 had narrowed BA’s lead to just six points, proving their worthiness in this tense matchup.
The third quarter saw BA shifting their strategy to attack the rim more aggressively, yet D3’s determination was evident as they fought back to tie the game at 45 points. Nichols particularly made a strong impact, forcing BA to adjust defensively.
As the final quarter unfolded, We Are D3 took the lead for the first time, highlighted by Nichols’ relentless scoring and strategic plays. With a succession of three-pointers from both teams, the game escalated to a gripping finish. A series of clutch performances from Nichols, including crucial free throws, propelled D3 ahead entering the Elam Ending.
In a final, nerve-wracking sequence, D3 sealed their victory with a game-winning drive from Nichols after teammate Daqkuan Davis converted a critical bonus free throw. The decisive moments underscored the importance of execution and composure in high-stakes scenarios.
Boeheim’s Army, while initially dominant, faced challenges that exposed vulnerabilities in their play. Head Coach Allen Griffin noted the struggle to contain Nichols and highlighted D3’s significant rebounding advantage, which contributed to their extra possessions and ultimately, their triumph.
This victory marks a significant moment for We Are D3 as they advance to the regional final, proving once again that in sports, underdog stories often add an extra layer of excitement and hope. Fans can look forward to seeing D3’s fearless play in the upcoming rounds.