MJ Iraldi Lifts Nova Southeastern to DII Title \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ MJ Iraldi scored 27 points and hit two clutch free throws with 17.8 seconds left to lift Nova Southeastern to a 74–73 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills in the Division II title game. The victory marks the Sharks’ second national championship in three seasons. Jeremy Dent-Smith led the Toros with 27 points before fouling out late.
Division II Championship Game Recap Quick Looks:
- MJ Iraldi finishes with 27 points, 9 rebounds
- Hits game-winning free throws with 17.8 seconds remaining
- Nova Southeastern edges Cal State Dominguez Hills 74–73
- Second national title in three years for the Sharks
- Sharks improve to 36–1 under Coach Jim Crutchfield
- Jeremy Dent-Smith scores 27 before fouling out with 1:19 left
- Toros rallied from 8-point deficit in second half
- Iraldi went 10-of-12 from the foul line
- Cal State’s final layup rolled off the rim at buzzer
Deep Look
Nova Southeastern University once again etched its name into college basketball history with a thrilling 74–73 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills in the 2025 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship on Saturday night at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. The title marks the second national championship in three seasons for the Sharks, who have cemented themselves as a dominant force in DII basketball under head coach Jim Crutchfield.
At the heart of the victory was senior standout MJ Iraldi, who turned in a clutch, career-defining performance. Iraldi finished with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, but it was his two calm, pressure-packed free throws with 17.8 seconds left that ultimately sealed the championship. His composure at the line, in the game’s most crucial moment, capped off a resilient performance that not only earned him Player of the Game honors but may go down as one of the most iconic finishes in Division II history.
The Path to Victory
The game was a back-and-forth battle filled with drama and momentum shifts. Nova Southeastern came out fast, building a 17–9 lead in the early going, thanks to a layup by Ross Reeves. But the Toros of Cal State Dominguez Hills, a No. 7 seed riding a wave of postseason momentum, responded with a 15–5 run, highlighted by a Jeremy Dent-Smith bucket that gave them their first lead of the night. The Toros controlled the latter stages of the first half, going into the break with a 42–38 advantage.
The second half saw both teams exchange baskets and defensive stops. Nova Southeastern began chipping away at the lead, only for Dent-Smith to carry the Toros yet again. With 11 minutes remaining, the Sharks held an eight-point edge, but Dent-Smith scored six unanswered points, tying the game at 62 with 8:15 left. The teams traded blows until the final moments, when David Cheatom’s layup with 24 seconds remaining briefly put Dominguez Hills back on top, 73–72.
Enter MJ Iraldi.
Fouled on the ensuing possession, Iraldi stepped to the line with the championship hanging in the balance. He coolly drained both free throws to give the Sharks a one-point lead. With the clock winding down, Cheatom drove into the lane for a potential game-winner, but his contested layup rolled off the rim at the buzzer.
By the Numbers
- Iraldi: 27 points (8-16 FG, 10-12 FT), 9 rebounds, 3 steals
- Tyler Eberhart: 14 points, 6 rebounds
- Dallas Graziani: 13 points, 9 assists
- Jeremy Dent-Smith (Dominguez Hills): 27 points, 10 rebounds before fouling out with 1:19 left
- David Cheatom: 15 points, including the go-ahead layup with 24 seconds left
Nova Southeastern’s Rise to Power
The 2025 championship is a continuation of a golden era for Nova Southeastern basketball, a program that has emerged as a national powerhouse under Crutchfield, who took over the team in 2017. After building a championship-caliber program, Crutchfield led the Sharks to an undefeated 36–0 season and national title in 2023, defeating West Liberty 111–101 in a high-octane final.
In 2024, they returned to the title game, only to fall in a heartbreaker to Minnesota State, 88–85. This year’s win, bringing their season record to 36–1, not only avenged that loss but reestablished the Sharks as the team to beat in DII.
Their success is built on fast-paced offense, ball movement, and relentless defensive pressure, a system that has transformed them into one of the most feared programs in the country. Saturday’s win was a testament to the Sharks’ grit, poise under pressure, and ability to perform when it matters most.
A Brave Battle from Cal State Dominguez Hills
Though the Toros fell just short, their run to the national championship game was nothing short of remarkable. As the No. 7 seed, few expected them to reach the final, but they rode the hot hand of Jeremy Dent-Smith, a senior forward who had been dominant all tournament.
Dent-Smith’s double-double (27 points, 10 rebounds) kept the Toros in the fight, even after he fouled out in the final 1:19. His exit was a critical blow for Dominguez Hills, who struggled to generate offense in the final minute without their floor leader. Cheatom, who had played a strong supporting role, nearly delivered the game-winner, but the basketball gods weren’t on his side.
To add to the heartbreak, the Dominguez Hills women’s team also lost in their national title game, making for a bittersweet end to an otherwise historic season for the university. Their dual appearances in the men’s and women’s championship games mirrored Minnesota State’s rare feat in 2024, when both their programs won titles—a first in NCAA Division II history.
Looking Ahead
As the confetti settled in Evansville, the victory signaled more than just another championship for Nova Southeastern — it showcased the growing competitiveness and visibility of Division II basketball. With packed stands, national broadcasts, and high-level talent on display, the DII title game has become a platform for showcasing the future of the sport.
For Iraldi, whose collegiate journey culminated with the biggest shots of his career, and for Coach Crutchfield, who continues to build a dynasty in South Florida, the 2025 national title is a testament to preparation, resilience, and execution.
Nova Southeastern will now shift its focus to reloading and defending the title in 2026, while Cal State Dominguez Hills leaves the court with heads held high after a tournament run that galvanized its program and inspired its fans.
MJ Iraldi Lifts MJ Iraldi Lifts
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