The first round of the National Invitation Tournament is in the books. Three of the six A10 teams in the tournament advanced. Interestingly, two moved on by virtue of road victories.
Tuesday:
Kent State 75 St. Bonaventure 56
The Bonnies jumped out to a 12-2 lead. The Golden Flashes regrouped to take a 29-28 lead into the break. The second half was virtually all Kent State. The Mid American representatives won the points in the paint and battle of the boards 46-29. In addition, they shot 50% (9 of 18) from long distance. Bonaventure’s Chance Moore led all scorers with 16 points while VonCameron Davis paced Kent State with 14. Mark Schmdt’s club finished with a 22-12 record.
Arkansas State 103 Saint Louis 78
The host Red Wolves rang up a 136 offensive efficiency. Credit that number to a white hot 16 of 35 (46%) from three point range. Arkansas State built a 50-37 halftime lead by knocking down 10 of their 16 threes. For the contest, the Red Wolves had a superlative 65% eFG percentage. Robbie Avila led the Billikens with 22 points, tying his career high of five three pointers. Izaiyah Nelson’s 26 points and 10 boards paced Arkansas State. Gibson Jimerson scored 8 points, closing out his career as St. Louis all-time leading scorer with 2,428 points. The Billikens finished the season 19-15
Wednesday:
UAB 69 Saint Joseph’s 65
For the second straight season the Hawks were eliminated in a close first round contest. Xzayvier Brown of host Saint Joseph’s led all scorers with 21 points. The sophomore guard also scored his 1,000th career point. In a game that had six ties and lead changes, a big difference was on the offensive glass. UAB held a 42-28 advantage in offensive rebounding percentage. The Blazers held an 18-6 edge in second chance points. UAB placed four players in double figures led by Yaxel Lendeborg with 16. Billy Lange’s Hawks finished 22-14.
George Mason 86 Samford 69
George Mason showed no lingering effects from their recent tough loss to VCU in the A10 finals. The Patriots held Samford to 101 efficiency, 12 below their season average. They were also limited to 14 points below their 83 points per game, 12th best nationally. An early 13-3 run by host George Mason was instrumental in their 21 point halftime lead. The Patriots, tying the school record with their 27th win (27-8) never let up. Jaden Brownell of Samford was the game’s high scorer with 27. The Patriots spread the wealth with four players in double-digits led by KD Johnson with 20. Tony Skinn’s club also set school NIT records with points (89) and assists (17).
Dayton 86 Florida Atlantic 79
Number one seeded Flyers took to Boca Raton for the first round as their UD Arena was being used for the NCAA First Four. Dayton’s Javon Bennett from Orlando made his return to the Sunshine State memorable as he scored a career-high 30 points. Bennett shot 8 of 12 (67%) from downtown. As a team Dayton shot 43% (13 of 30) from three. In a game with four ties and 10 lead changes, Anthony Grant’s Flyers used a 13-0 second half run to gain separation. Kaleb Glenn led FAU with 18 points.
Loyola Chicago 73 San Jose State 70
The Ramblers held a 67-52 lead with 8:39 remaining. The host Spartans went on a late run to close within 71-70 down the stretch. Des Watson, a 24 point scorer on the night, scored all of Loyola’s points in the final seven minutes including two crucial free throws with 42 seconds left to play. Donavan Yap led the Spartans, making their first NIT appearance since 1981, with 16 points. Depth was a factor as Loyola enjoyed a 19-6 edge in bench points.
Second Round Saturday:
Loyola Chicago at San Francisco
Dayton at Chattanooga
Bradley at George Mason
