The 2024 NIRSA National Basketball Championships provided both participants and guests with amazing basketball games, great food, and an amazing environment in the University of Wisconsin–Madison area! Over the course of three days, 60 teams participated in 131 games and scored over 7,500 points. The 2024 NIRSA National Basketball tournament offered participants an opportunity to meet new people from all over the country. For many of us, this was one of those experiences that will “stick with us for a lifetime.”

Women’s

Women’s Division Champions: University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina secured their status as champions with a hard-fought victory over Grand Canyon University in the national championship game, triumphing with a final score of 54 to 45. However, the journey to this championship win was riddled with challenges and thrilling matchups that tested the Gamecocks’ resolve and skill.

Early in the bracket play, South Carolina faced a formidable test against the 15th seed, Texas A&M. In a tense battle, the Gamecocks narrowly emerged victorious with a close 41 to 37 win. As the competition intensified, South Carolina continued to demonstrate their championship caliber. In a pivotal game against the University of Miami, the Gamecocks secured a crucial five-point win with a final score of 45 to 40, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and advance further in the tournament.

The path to the championship game reached its climax with a showdown against the two-time champions, University of Wisconsin–Madison. In a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, South Carolina managed to secure a narrow three-point victory, punching their ticket to the championship game and solidifying their position as contenders for the title.

In the championship game itself, the University of South Carolina displayed their championship pedigree once again, delivering a commanding performance to defeat Grand Canyon University. The Gamecocks’ journey throughout the tournament was marked by resilience, determination, and clutch performances when it mattered most, underscoring their dominance in the women’s division.

Women’s Club Runner-Up

  • Grand Canyon University

Women’s 3rd and 4th Place

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • University of Virginia

Men’s

Men’s Division Champions: Grand Canyon University

In a thrilling championship showdown, Grand Canyon University’s “40 Minutes just isn’t enough time” emerged victorious over the reigning champions, Air Force Academy Club, with a final score of 53 to 47. The game delivered everything fans could hope for in a championship clash with both teams trading leads multiple times throughout the intense matchup. Grand Canyon’s resilience was on full display as they rallied from a deficit late in the game to secure a historic win.

However, reaching the championship game was no easy feat for Grand Canyon. The journey to the final was marked by impressive victories and standout performances. In the semifinals, Grand Canyon faced the formidable one-seed Texas A&M and secured a comfortable win, paving their way to the championship showdown.

Grand Canyon demonstrated their dominance in the tournament prior to the semifinals. In the second round of bracket play, Grand Canyon delivered a powerhouse performance against King’s University, triumphing with an impressive score of 62 to 35. The momentum carried into the quarterfinal match against Arizona State; they showcased their skill and determination and secured a convincing victory with a commanding score of 48 to 30.

As fans celebrate this thrilling victory, Grand Canyon University’s triumph serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of college sports. The victory over Air Force Academy Club not only secured the championship title but also established Grand Canyon as a force to be reckoned with in men’s club basketball.

Men’s Runner-Up

  • Air Force Academy

Men’s 3rd and 4th Place

  • Texas A&M University
  • North Carolina State

Unified

Unified Division Champions: The University of Oregon

The Oregon Ducks defied expectations and emerged as champions in a thrilling final matchup against the Ragin Cajuns (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) with a score of 39 to 32. Despite entering bracket play as the fourth seed out of seven teams, the Ducks showcased resilience and determination on their path to victory.

Unlike their opponents the Ragin Cajuns, who received a bye in the first round of bracket play, the Oregon Ducks faced the challenge of enduring three intense games to reach the finals.

In the quarterfinals, the Ducks squared off against the Wolverines in a closely contested match. Oregon displayed their strength and skill, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 49 to 43, setting the stage for their continued success in the tournament.

Buoyed by their quarterfinal win, the Ducks carried momentum into the semifinals where they faced the University of Iowa. In another impressive display of teamwork and determination, Oregon triumphed over Iowa with a final score of 41 to 33, which ultimately led to them advancing to the championship game against the Ragin Cajuns.

In the finals, the Oregon Ducks faced off against the Ragin Cajuns in a showdown that highlighted their grit and resilience. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Ducks remained focused and executed their game plan effectively. They ultimately emerged victorious with a seven-point lead to claim the division championship title.

Unified Runner-Up

  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Unified 3rd and 4th Place

  • University of Iowa
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

All-Tournament Teams

Out of the 624 participants, only a few were able to bring home the team hardware. It wouldn’t be right to not recognize the standout individual performances and sportsmanship that was featured throughout the weekend. Congratulations to this year’s National Basketball All-Tournament selections!

Women’s

  • MVP: Katherine Stuhlreyer – University of South Carolina
  • Livi Wood – Grand Canyon University
  • Taylor Hibicke – Grand Canyon University
  • Daniela Lopez – Grand Canyon University
  • Joelle Wilson – University of Miami
  • Unoma Aguolu – University of Virginia

Men’s

  • MVP: David Black – Grand Canyon University
  • Kyle Brown – Air Force Academy Club
  • Robert Cieri – Texas A&M University
  • Jason Franklin – NC State
  • Kaleb Lichau – Air Force Academy Club
  • William Betteridge – Creighton Club Basketball

Unified

  • MVP: Shanti Gonzalez – University of Oregon
  • Colt Harrison – University of Louisiana at Lafayette
  • Lucho Roman – University of Oregon
  • Dylan Soppe – University of Iowa
  • Brandon Baier – University of Iowa
  • Tanner Vicknair – University of Louisiana at Lafayette

All-American Officials

Just as teams strive to win a national championship, one of the highest honors for student officials across the county is to become an All-American Official at the national tournament. The six student officials listed below have positively impacted their university while also showing great leadership and growth throughout the weekend in Madison, WI. Congratulations to this year’s All-American Officials!

  • Ryan Cegielski – Texas A&M University
  • Zyterrious Hudson – Georgia Southern University
  • Fauz Adeyinka – University of Maryland
  • Isabella Price – University of Central Florida
  • Charlene Pham – University of Virginia
  • Dawson Lane – Middle Tennessee State
  • John Smith – University of Missouri–Columbia
  • Joshua Hong – University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Tyler Nolan – University of Connecticut
  • Aubrey Dague – Purdue University
  • Jacques Thomas – Florida State University
  • Madie Prospero – Purdue University

The officials’ shortage across the county has continued to become more and more extreme. NIRSA, campus recreation, and all levels of play would not be where they are today without the dedication to developing student officials within intramural programs. Thank you to everyone who has continued to dedicate long hours to officials’ development. And congratulations to all officials who participated in this year’s tournament!

Committee Recognition

A big THANK YOU to our staff for their part in supporting this tournament. We can’t provide these quality tournaments and memorable experiences for our student participants and officials without our amazing volunteers from across the nation!

2024 NIRSA Championship Series National Basketball Staff and Tournament Directors

University of Wisconsin–Madison Staff

  • Abby Van Note, University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Bailey Kenney, University of Wisconsin–Madison

NIRSA Tournament Committee

  • Mike Castaneda, Loyola University Maryland
  • Talyn Sands, Georgia State University
  • Nicole Jackson, NIRSA Staff Representative
  • Lauren Carlson, NIRSA Staff Representative

Tournament Experience Committee

  • Eric Vaughn, Missouri State University
  • Chris Spencer, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  • Alex Pendar, University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  • Alyssa Kerr, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Andrew Rude, Ohio University
  • Brenna Wortham, Kennesaw State University
  • Calvin Diggs, St. Cloud State University
  • Christian Ramirez, University of Central Florida
  • Colton Spaur, Indiana University
  • Courtney Smith, Louisiana State University
  • Gracelyn Jones, University of Toledo
  • Jack Kavanaugh, University of Central Florida
  • James Hinson, Valparaiso University
  • Jerrell Kelly, University of Colorado Boulder
  • John McNeal, The University of Alabama
  • Joshua Brunson, The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Madison Ministero, University of Mississippi
  • Melina Campbell, University of Kentucky
  • Scott Flickinger, SUNY Cortland
  • Steven Knecht, Louisiana State University

Competition Committee

  • Carter Kittrell, NSA Midsouth
  • Wyatt Lee, Penn State University

Officials Committee

  • Marty Dempsey, University of Florida
  • Brandon Bermea, Oklahoma State University
  • Klee Sellers, Georgia Southern University
  • Caroline Wieters, Missouri State University
  • Connor VanOverberghe, University of Missouri–Columbia
  • Daniel Chandler, James Madison University
  • Emilee Howard, University of Central Florida
  • Emily Murphy, The Ohio State University
  • Fernie Perez, Texas A&M University
  • Hannah Williams, Cornell University
  • Joshua Knull, University of Southern Mississippi
  • Justin Paluch, University of Connecticut
  • Kristian Pullam, Marquette University
  • Kelly Salomon, University of West Florida
  • Luke Bettencourt, Nova Southeastern University
  • Michael Thomas
  • Natosha Harris, University of Kentucky
  • Nathan Ha, The University of Texas at Arlington
  • Victor Martin, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  • Zach Kula, Marshall University

Media Committee

  • Venus Okwuka, George Washington University
  • Megan Brady, University of Maryland
  • Veronica Ballinger, University of Notre Dame

 Unified Committee

  • Brittany Mueller, Florida State University
  • Laura Shively, Duke University
  • RJ Nealon, Special Olympics North America

Thank you to our supporting sponsors JC2 Officials, ETA Officials Camp, and Protector Whistle for their participation in this year’s tournament! Thank you to our hosts and recreation partners from The University of Wisconsin–Madison for their outstanding contributions to a great tournament!

It was great to be in Madison for the 2024 NIRSA National Basketball Championships and to have the opportunity to connect with so many partners, colleagues, and friends. The tournament would not have been possible without the contributions of everyone involved.

Congratulations to all the teams and staff for making the tournament experience a wonderful one. We hope to see everyone next year at the 2025 NIRSA National Basketball Championships!

Sport Programs Coordinator at | NIRSA Profile

Lauren Carlson is currently the Sports Programs Coordinator at NIRSA.

Director of National Sport Programs at | NIRSA Profile

Nicole Jackson is currently the Director of National Sport Programs at NIRSA.