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 In Final For Second Straight Year, This Time The NIT
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 championship.
Keith Cothran finished with 23 points and eight rebounds, and Ulmer recorded 16 and nine for the Rams (26-10), who were playing in their first NIT semifinal since the 1945-46 season.
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