FORT WAYNE, IN (March 19, 2026) -- The Tufts University men's basketball team's season came to a heartbreaking end on Thursday night, as the Jumbos fell just short in a 69-66 loss to No. 1 Trinity College in the NCAA Division III Elite 8 Round at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In a game defined by runs, resilience, and late-game execution, Tufts battled from start to finish and had multiple chances in the closing seconds to force overtime.
From the opening tip, Tufts showed no hesitation against one of the nation's top teams. Joshua Bernstein set the tone immediately, scoring on a strong finish in the paint just 25 seconds in. Moments later, after a defensive stop sparked by Zion Watt, Jon Medley knocked down a transition three to cap a quick 7-0 run and give the Jumbos early control.
Tufts' defensive energy was evident early, forcing turnovers and converting them into offense. Bernstein continued to assert himself inside, scoring again to extend the lead to 9-2 at the 17:18 mark. However, Trinity began to settle in, using second-chance opportunities and interior scoring to chip away. A tip-in and a series of offensive rebounds tied the game at 11-11 midway through the half, shifting momentum.
The turning point of the first half came during a key substitution stretch. With several starters off the floor, Trinity capitalized with a 9-0 run, highlighted by transition buckets and points off turnovers. A layup from Trevor McDonald gave Trinity its first lead at 10-9, and the Bantams extended that margin to 28-20 with under five minutes remaining. During that stretch, Tufts struggled to find offensive rhythm, missing multiple perimeter looks while Trinity controlled the glass.
Still, the Jumbos refused to let the game slip away. Ricardo Nieves broke the drought with a strong finish inside, and Medley added free throws to stabilize things late in the half. In the closing seconds, Watt delivered a crucial sequence, attacking the rim and earning three free throws with 30 seconds left. He converted all three, cutting the deficit to just two at 29-27 heading into the break. Watt had a team-high 11 points at the break.
Coming out of halftime, Trinity struck first, pushing the lead to six within the opening minute. But Tufts answered behind its leaders. Watt hit a mid-range jumper, and Medley and Bernstein combined for back-to-back baskets to trim the deficit to five. Even as Trinity extended the lead again—eventually building it to double digits at 53-41 with just over 10 minutes remaining—Tufts never wavered.
The Jumbos' response was emblematic of their season. After falling behind by 12, Tufts mounted a relentless push fueled by defense and physicality. Robbie Nyamwaya sparked the rally with a corner three, and Medley followed with a deep triple of his own. Bernstein dominated the interior during this stretch, converting multiple second-chance opportunities and cutting the margin to five with just over five minutes to play.
Down 63-58 with under four minutes remaining, Tufts made its move. Sidney Wooten drilled a clutch three-pointer from the wing, and Bernstein followed with a strong post finish to bring the Jumbos within 63-60. Moments later, a defensive stop and a steal by Wooten led to a free throw opportunity for Medley, who made one to cut the deficit to 63-61 with just over two minutes remaining.
After a Trinity basket pushed the lead back to four, Bernstein answered again, finishing inside to make it a one-possession game at 65-63 with 1:30 left. But Trinity executed in the final minute, converting a key layup and getting to the free throw line to extend the lead to five.
Even then, Tufts had one final push. Medley missed a three with under a minute to play, but after a defensive sequence and late fouls, the Jumbos still had life. In the final seconds, down three, Tufts generated multiple looks from beyond the arc—first from Medley, then Watt—but neither attempt fell. Medley added two free throws with one second left to make it 69-66, but time ultimately ran out on the comeback.
Bernstein led all scorers for Tufts with 20 points and 10 rebounds, delivering a dominant performance on both ends. The senior finished his Tufts career with four straight double-doubles during the NCAA Tournament.Â
Medley added 17 points, including several key buckets during the second-half rally, while Watt contributed 14 points and strong two-way play. As a team, Tufts battled through a difficult shooting night (34.4% from the field) by winning effort categories, including 13 second-chance points and 37 total rebounds.
Trinity was paced by 16 points and seven rebounds from Henry Vetter, while Jared Berry had 14 points off the bench for the Bantams. Trinity will now take on the University of Mary Washington in the NCAA Final Four Saturday evening in Fort Wayne.Â
Despite the loss, Tufts showcased its identity throughout the contest - resilience, toughness, and an ability to respond under pressure. Facing a double-digit deficit against an elite opponent on the national stage, the Jumbos fought back repeatedly and had opportunities in the final moments to extend their season.
Tufts finishes the season 23-6 while appearing in the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second time in program history and first since the 2016 season. The Jumbos were also making their 10th NCAA appearance this season.Â
The Jumbos will bid farewell to a historic senior class, as Scott Gyimesi, Wooten, Bernstein, James Morakis and Theo Liu will go down as the winningest senior class in program history.Â
--JUMBOS--
