Thursday N.I.T. Turmoil

Well, we finally made it. After a season full of upsets, blowouts and spectacular performances, the madness is finally upon us. But before we all mentally checkout of work today, lets take a look at the N.I.T action from March Madness Eve. There were a handful of compelling matchups, and the games definitly did not dissapoint.



Wednesday's Results

- #2 Virginia Tech 116, #7 Duquesne 108 2OT - This was the type of game that we should be seeing plenty of this afternoon. Aaron Jackson dropped 46 points and went 8-13 from behind the arch for the Dukes. Four of five Tech starters scored more than 20 points, including A.D. Vasallo, who had 33 points and 12 rebounds. The Hokies prevailed in this dandy of a contest despite getting only 4 points from their bench.

- #4 Miami (FL) 78, #5 Providence 66 - Jack McClinton scored 25 points including 7 three pointers. Dwayne Collins chipped in 12 rebounds as Miami outrebounded the Friars 44-35, and got the 12 point win. This game was suppose to be played in Miami, but the Latin Music Awards were in town, so the 'Canes had to travel to Rhode Island to pick up the postseason W.

- #3 Baylor 74, #6 Georgetown 72 - The Hoyas shot 76% from the field in the first half and led by 10 at the break. Baylor erased the defficit less than 90 seconds into the second period. After that, Baylor continued to pour it on, causing turnovers and making easy baskets. Baylor scored on every possesion that came after a timeout in the second half. Four of those five possesions ended in an alley-oop to Kevin Rogers. Baylor picks up their first postseason win in 59 years. Georgetown ends a dissapointing season in dissapointing fashion.

- #1 Auburn 87, #8 Tennessee-Martin 82 - Lester Hudson, the Nation's #2 scorer had 33pts, 12rebs, and 7asts for the Skyhawks ( I love that nickname, could be one of the best in all of D-1), but career highs from DeWayne Reed and Quantez Robinson were enough to propel Auburn to the win, and a place in the second round.

Other N.I.T Results

- #4 Kansas State 83, #5 Illinois State 79 OT
- #4 Tulsa 68, #5 Northwestern 59
- #1 Creighton 73, #8 Bowling Green 71
- #1 Florida 84, #8 Jacksonville 62

Second Round Matchups (3/19 - 3/23)

- 3/19: #6 Rhode Island @ #2 Penn St.
- 3/19: #3 New Mexico @ #2 Notre Dame
- 3/20: #4 Kansas St. @ #1 San Diego St.
- 3/20: #4 Miami (FL) @ #1 Florida
- 3/21: #3 Baylor @ #2 Virginia Tech
- 3/21: #4 Tulsa @ #1 Auburn
- 3/23: #6 Davidson @ #2 St. Mary's
- 3/23: #4 Kentucky @ #1 Creighton