Conference USA Postseason Update: NIT, CBI & CIT game recaps

UCF advances, Marshall & UTEP fall in postseason play

NIT First Round: New Mexico 69, UTEP 57

The New Mexico Lobos defeated the UTEP Miners in the opening round of NIT play at the Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday evening. In the Lobos first action without captain Dairese Gary, they looked comfortable in every facet, extending a four point halftime lead to double-digits as the second continued on. Drew Gordon had 18 points and 9 rebounds while Freshman Kendell Williams added 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. A great crowd turned out to see the Lobos face off with their long-time rival from the Lone Star State. UTEP struggled to find an offensive rhythm all night long. Randy Cullpepper led all scorers with 23 points. The Miners finished the season at 25-10. New Mexico advances to the second round to face top-seeded Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

CIT First Round: Ohio 65, Marshall 64

The Ohio Bobcats scored a road victory over the Marshall Thundering Herd in the opening round of the College Insider Tournament at the Henderson Center on Tuesday night. The Bobcats, who got behind 10-3 early in the first stanza, rallied in the second half to score the victory. Ohio’s D.J. Cooper gave the Bobcats the lead with 1:30 left. In a comedy of errors, missed free-throws, and lackluster play neither team scored again. The Thundering Herd finished the season at 22-12. Ohio (19-15), who shocked Georgetown in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season, will move on to the quarterfinals of the CIT as they have received a bye past the second round. Ohio will face East Tennessee State (23-11) in Athens on Tuesday night.

CBI First Round: UCF 69, St. Bonaventure 54

Marcus Jordan, the son of his airness, Michael Jordan, scored 18 points to lead the UCF Knights to victory over the visiting St. Bonaventure Bonnies in a College Basketball Invitational (CBI) first round contest.  Junior guard A.J. Rompza scored 13 points and 7-0 senior center Tom Herzog chipped in 10 points for UCF.  The Knights took a 34-30 halftime lead and steadily pulled away from the Bonnies in the second half, outscoring them 35-24 in the decisive final 20 minutes.

The Bonnies were led by junior forward Andrew Nicholson, who scored 20 points.  St. Bona finishes the season 16-15. UCF improved to 20-11 on the season with the victory. The Knights will face Rhode Island in the second round of the CBI on Monday night.