St. Thomas Tommies' Historic NIT Run Ends in First Round Defeat to Seattle University

St. Thomas University's maiden voyage into the National Invitational Tournament during the Division I era came to an abrupt halt Tuesday night as the Tommies fell 67-52 to Seattle University at the Redhawks' Arena, bringing their historic season to a disappointing conclusion.

The defeat marked the end of what had been a breakthrough campaign for the Minnesota-based program, which finished with an impressive 24-10 record in their continued transition to Division I competition. For a university still establishing itself at college basketball's highest level, simply reaching the NIT represented significant progress.

Nolan Minessale provided the primary offensive spark for St. Thomas, leading all scorers with 15 points in what would prove to be the program's final game of the season. Nick Janowski added 10 points to the effort, while Isaiah Johnson-Arigu contributed 12 points off the bench, but the collective output wasn't sufficient to overcome a determined Seattle squad.

The game's narrative shifted dramatically between halves, with the Tommies controlling much of the opening period. St. Thomas built leads as large as 10 points during the first half, demonstrating the poise and execution that had characterized their successful regular season campaign.

Heading into the locker room with a narrow 31-30 advantage, the Tommies appeared well-positioned to advance deeper into the NIT bracket. The single-point halftime lead reflected their ability to match Seattle's intensity while maintaining the disciplined approach that had served them throughout the season.

The second half began promisingly for St. Thomas, with the Tommies scoring the first six points to extend their lead and seemingly seize control of the contest. For several minutes, it appeared the visitors might pull away from their hosts and secure a memorable postseason victory.

However, Seattle University quickly demonstrated why they had earned home court advantage for the opening round. The Redhawks responded to St. Thomas' early second-half surge with a devastating 15-2 run that completely altered the game's momentum and established their dominance.

Once Seattle took control, they never relinquished their advantage. The Redhawks' ability to maintain their lead reflected both superior depth and the natural advantage that comes with playing on familiar territory. Their crowd provided additional energy during crucial moments when the game hung in the balance.

For the 21-13 Seattle squad, the victory represents progression to the next round where they will face a significantly greater challenge. Top-seeded Auburn awaits the Redhawks after the Tigers handled South Alabama with a convincing 78-67 victory in their opening contest.

The loss stings particularly for St. Thomas because of how close they came to advancing. Their first-half performance and early second-half momentum suggested they possessed the capability to compete at this level, making the subsequent collapse all the more frustrating.

Despite the disappointing conclusion, the 2025-26 season should be viewed as progress for the St. Thomas program. Reaching 24 victories and earning their first NIT berth in the Division I era establishes important precedents and provides valuable experience for future campaigns.

The Tommies' journey from Division III powerhouse to Division I competitor continues to evolve, with this season representing another step in that ongoing process. While the NIT defeat certainly disappoints, the overall trajectory suggests brighter postseason opportunities lie ahead.

Seattle University now advances to face Auburn in what promises to be a challenging second-round matchup, while St. Thomas begins preparation for next season with the knowledge that they've taken meaningful steps toward postseason relevance.

The experience gained from this NIT appearance, though brief, should prove invaluable as the Tommies continue building their Division I identity and pursuing future postseason success.