March 19, 2008

AP Photo Gallery - Tuesday Games (Available for Purchase)

Postseason ACCtion Central

Maryland Downs Minnesota in NIT Opener, 68-58

Greivis Vasquez had 16 points and six rebounds and made sure Maryland didn't lose another big lead in a 68-58 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday night in the first round of the NIT.

Bambale Osby added 14 points and six boards for the fifth-seeded Terrapins (19-14), who advance to play top-seeded Syracuse at the Carrier Dome in the second round.

Damian Johnson had 14 points and 12 rebounds for fourth-seeded Minnesota (20-14), and was about the only Golden Gopher who had enough athleticism to compete with the dynamic Terps.

Johnson also had four blocks and Lawrence Westbrook added 11 points, but the Gophers were out-muscled in the paint and out-hustled in transition in the final game of Tubby Smith's first season as coach here.

It was a textbook game for these Terrapins--filled with plenty of ups and downs. Maryland trailed for much of the first half while James Gist got off to a quiet 0-for-3 start.

Seminoles Fall to Zips in OT in NIT First Round

Nick Dials scored 13 points in overtime, including three consecutive 3-point baskets to lead Akron to a 65-60 victory Tuesday over Florida State in a first round NIT game, giving the Zips their first win over an Atlantic Coast Conference team.

The game was tied 51-all after regulation. Akron was unable to protect a 51-47 lead in the final 1:30 missing a dunk shot, three free throws to go along with a costly turnover.

But Dials took over in the overtime. His first two baskets from long range put the Zips ahead both times and he hit four straight free throws at the end to preserve the victory.

Dials led the winners with 21 points while Uche Echefu turned in his sixth double double of the season for Florida State with 20 points and 10 rebounds.