NIT Capsules
March 25th, 2009 Posted in NCAA basketball news, NCAA college basketballAUBURN, Ala -Curtis Jerrells grabbed a key rebound then made 1-of-2 free throws with 6,9 seconds left, helping Baylor to advance to the semifinals of the NIT with a 74-72 win Tuesday night.
Kevin Rogers added 19 points and nine rebounds to help the Bears (23-14) extend their improbable run after finishing ninth in the Big 12 Conference and going 59 years without a postseason win.
The Tigers (24-12), who matched the second-best win total in program history, had two chances in the final seconds to at least tie it. First, DeWayne Reed missed two free throws, then Rasheem Barretts 3-point try bounced off the left side of the rim at the buzzer.
Baylor will play the St. Marys-San Diego State winner next Tuesday in New York, their first game at Madison Square Garden since the 1950 NCAA Final Four.
Penn State 71, Florida 62
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jamelle Cornley had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Stanley Pringle added 15 points and Penn State won in the NIT quarterfinals.
The Nittany Lions (25-11) improved to 5-0 in the NIT quarterfinals and advanced to play either Kentucky or Notre Dame in New Yorks Madison Square Garden next week.
Nick Calathes, who struggled all night shooting, missed two 3-pointers in the final minutes for Florida (25-11). He finished with 10 points and seven assists.
Erving Walker led the Gators with 16 points and made four of the teams five 3-pointers. Alex Tyus had 15 points.
