=== UNC squeaks past Rhode Island in OT, advances to NIT title game ===
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Deon Thompson logged 16 points and 13
rebounds, and North Carolina withstood Rhode Island and a no-call in the
closing seconds of overtime, 68-67, to advance to the championship game of the
National Invitation Tournament.
North Carolina held the ball and a one-point lead in the final seconds of the
extra session, but Larry Drew II missed a jumper from the left wing, with the
rebound bouncing back to URI's Lamonte Ulmer near the foul line with roughly
five seconds left.
Ulmer took one dribble upcourt and appeared to get bumped by a Tar Heels
defender, causing him to loose his footing and the ball. No whistle was blown,
and UNC came away with possession and the tight decision.
Will Graves and Tyler Zeller had 14 and 12 points, respectively, for North
Carolina (20-16), who will play for its second NIT title on Thursday against
Dayton, a 68-63 winner over Ole Miss in Tuesday's opener at Madison Square
Garden.
The Tar Heels are attempting to become the first team to follow an NCAA
Tournament crown with an NIT ......