University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers to Meet Hurricanes in NIT Second Round
3/15/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 15, 2012
The University of Minnesota men's basketball team advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament Wednesday with a 70-61 victory at La Salle. Rodney Williams tied his career high with 21 points and Austin Hollins added 16 more as the Golden Gophers picked up their first postseason victory under head coach Tubby Smith.
Sixth-seeded Minnesota, 20-14 on the season, will return to the road for their second-round game on Monday, March 19th, at Miami (Fla.). The game will tip at 8 p.m. (CT) and will be televised live by ESPN.
The No. 2-seeded Hurricanes (20-12) moved into the second round Wednesday night behind a 66-50 win over Valparaiso.
Minnesota and Miami have meet just once previously, squaring off in the 2009 Big Ten-ACC Challenge at Miami, with the Hurricanes holding on to defeat the Gophers, 63-58.
The winner of Monday night's game between the Gophers and Hurricanes will meet the winner of Tennessee vs. Middle Tennessee game on Wednesday, March 21, for the right to play in the NIT final four at Madison Square Garden in New York.
