BOSTON — After falling short again in its try for a first-ever NCAA berth, Northwestern reached the NIT’s third round by beating Boston College 85-67 on Saturday.
John Shurna scored 20 points with nine rebounds and Michael Thompson had 22 points for the Wildcats (20-13).
“I think Northwestern basketball is getting a lot more respect,” Thompson said. “It’s the postseason. It’s not the NCAA Tournament, but we’ve still got a chance to win a championship.”
Northwestern will play the winner of Monday night’s game between Oklahoma State and Washington State. With a victory, the Wildcats would reach the NIT final four at Madison Square Garden and break the school record for victories they set last year.
Joe Trapani scored 18 for BC (21-13), one of the NIT’s four No. 1 seeds.
College of Charleston 64, Cleveland St. 56
CLEVELAND — Donavan Monroe scored 16 points to lead four Cougars in double figures.
Andrew Goudelock and Trent Wiedeman added 13 points each, and Antwaine Wiggins scored 11 for the Cougars (26-10), who held Cleveland State (27-9) scoreless for nearly eight minutes in the second half.
