Texas, UNI are too tough

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS

Kwadzo Ahelegbe scored 24 points and Johnny Moran had 15 as Northern Iowa defeated Indiana 67-61 Wednesday night to advance to the championship game of the Las Vegas Classic.

Jake Koch added 11 points for the Panthers (8-3).

Christian Watford had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Hoosiers (9-3), who are undefeated at home but winless outside of Bloomington, Ind. Derek Elston scored 19.

Northern Iowa led 42-33 at halftime and by 10 in the second half before Indiana tied it at 59 on Watford’s layup with 2:29 to play. The Panthers scored the next five points then held on for their fourth straight win.

No. 18 Texas 67, No. 12 Michigan St. 55

EAST LANSING, Mich.

Jordan Hamilton scored 21 points, Tristan Thompson had 17 points and 15 rebounds for Texas.

Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas scored 17 points and didn’t have much help.

No. 9 Missouri 75, No. 21 Illinois 64

ST. LOUIS

Laurence Bowers made a four-point play with a layup and two free throws after an intentional foul with 40 seconds to go, fueling a huge final minute for Missouri. Marcus Denmon had 15 points for the Tigers.