NIT roundup | Monday’s games

Illinois 75, Kent State 58

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.

Illinois used a big second-half run to beat Kent State to the NIT quarterfinals. With the game tied at 31 at halftime, Illinois (20-14) went on an 18-7 run out of the break to take control. Illinois hosts the winner of Dayton-Cincinnati on Wednesday. For a team that relies on its outside shooting, Illinois pounded the ball inside to score 40 of its points in the paint. Mike Davis had 16 points and 16 rebounds for his 15th double-double this season, while Mike Tisdale had 17 points. Justin Greene led the Golden Flashes (24-9) with 15 points, while Anthony Simpson provided a spark off the bench with 14 points.

Virginia Tech 65, Connecticut 63

BLACKSBURG, Va.

Dorenzo Hudson scored 17 of his game-high 27 points in the second half to lift Virginia Tech. The Hokies (25-8), who tied a school record for victories, advanced to the quarterfinals of the NIT, where they will play Rhode Island at home on a date to be determined. Following a timeout with 22 seconds left and the Hokies trailing 63-62, Hudson buried a 17-foot jumper with 14.1 seconds to go to give them a one-point lead.

Rhode Island 85, Nevada 83

KINGSTON, R.I.

Delroy James scored a career-high 34 points and Rhode Island held off Nevada. The Rams (25-9) will play Virginia Tech on Wednesday in the NIT quarterfinals. Brandon Fields led the Wolf Pack (21-13) with 25 points, but Rhode Island held WAC player of the year Luke Babbitt to 14 points.

Associated Press