NXT ERA Elite Outlasts Raleigh 919 Legends in TBT Round of 32 Battle (7-20-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Travis Cheek-LMS Network
On July 20, 2025, the James Madison Regional of The Basketball Tournament (TBT) delivered a thrilling Round of 32 matchup at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, as No. 5 seed NXT ERA Elite faced No. 8 seed Raleigh 919 Legends. The NXT ERA Elite secured a 70-62 victory under TBT’s Elam Ending, advancing toward the $1 million winner-take-all prize with a strong second-half performance led by key contributions from their roster.
Game Recap
NXT ERA Elite took control early, leading 30-23 at halftime. Their defensive pressure and efficient offense kept Raleigh 919 Legends at bay, though the Legends stayed competitive with a highlight outback jam from Duby Okeke in the third quarter. As the game entered the Elam Ending, NXT ERA Elite held a 62-40 lead, with the target score set at 70. Despite a late push from Raleigh 919 Legends, NXT ERA Elite hit the target score first, clinching the 70-62 win. NXT ERA Elite’s balanced attack and ability to maintain their lead in the clutch proved decisive. Raleigh 919 Legends showcased their resilience, but couldn’t overcome the depth of the NXT ERA Elite roster.
What’s Next
NXT ERA Elite advances to the Round of 16, facing No. 2 seed Shell Shock (Maryland alumni), who defeated Red Rose Thunder 81-78 earlier that day, on July 22nd at 7 p.m. ET. The winner will move closer to the James Madison Regional Championship and a quarterfinal berth on July 28. For Raleigh 919 Legends, the loss marks the end of their 2025 TBT campaign, but their competitive spirit showcased the depth of talent in the North Carolina basketball community.
Why It Matters
This game highlighted TBT’s unique appeal: a blend of alumni pride, professional talent, and high-stakes competition. NXT ERA Elite’s victory keeps them in the hunt for the $1 million prize, while Raleigh 919 Legends’ effort underscored the tournament’s inclusivity for lesser-known teams. Fans can catch TBT action on YouTube, FOX, FS1, FS2, or fuboTV, with brackets and updates available at TBTHoops.com.
