Tar Heels advance to NIT title game

By The Associated Press

Deon Thompson had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and North Carolina defeated Rhode Island (26-10) 68-67 in overtime Thursday night at New York to reach the NIT championship game.

The Tar Heels (20-16) will try to make some bittersweet history Thursday night against Dayton by becoming the first school to follow a national title with an NIT title.

Dayton 68, Mississippi 63: At New York, Chris Johnson scored 22 points and Dayton (24-12) held off Mississippi (24-11) in the NIT semifinals.

Missouri State 78, Pacific 65: At Springfield, Mo., Caleb Patterson scored 16 points to lead Missouri State (24-12) past Pacific (23-12) to capture the CollegeInsider.com Tournament title.