Luke Nevill scores 12 points to lead Runnin' Utes
March 24, 2008
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Ben Uzoh scored 22 points, including 11-of-14 free throws, to power Tulsa to a 69-60 victory over Utah in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Invitational Monday night.
The Golden Hurricane (22-13) advanced to the semifinals on Wednesday against Houston, which beat Valparaiso 91-67 on Monday.
Tulsa built a 35-20 halftime lead, mainly by making all 17 of its first-half free throw attempts but also by limiting the Utes (18-15) to 26 percent shooting (6-of-23).
Utah battled back in the second half behind the inside power of 7-foot-1 center Luke Nevill, who scored nine of his 12 points in the second half. The Utes twice cut Tulsa's lead to five points, the final time at 59-54 with 2:01 to play on a 3-pointer by Luka Drca.
Tulsa guard Brett McDade responded with a strong drive to the basket to give the Golden Hurricane a 61-54 lead with 1:46 to play, and Tulsa made 8 of 10 free throws from there to preserve the win.
Uzoh added four rebounds and a block, Ray Reese added 16 points and Calvin Walls had eight points and nine rebounds, including a crucial put-back that gave Tulsa a 52-43 lead at 6:25.
Johnnie Bryant led Utah with 19 points, making 5-of-10 3-pointers. Nevill had 12 points and nine boards.
Utah shot 36.5 percent to Tulsa?s 38.3, but the Golden Hurricane made 29 of 36 free throws to 15 of 22 for Utah.
Tulsa also had a 37-32 rebound advantage.
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