Stanford in NIT Championship Over Massachusetts 74-64

It wasn’t pretty at times, but Stanford took the lead early and held on to defeat Massachusetts 74-64 in the first semifinal of the NIT at Madison Square Garden.

Josh Owens was a monster inside for the Cardinal, getting 15 points and 11 rebounds, helping his team establish the lead in the first half. But Anthony Brown responded when the Minutemen took the lead in the second half, scoring a flurry of points to help Stanford pull away in the end. He had 18 points, which included three of the team’s five three pointers.

Chaz Williams shined as the game started and then had a late spurt to help keep Massachusetts in the game. He finished with 19 points. Terrell Vinson, who gave the most production in the comeback victory against Drexel in the quarterfinals, had a solid eight points and rebounds.

Both Williams and Vinson were in foul trouble for the Minutemen. They collected three fouls in the first half, limiting their play for the second half.

It didn’t keep Massachusetts from staying in the game. They kept on battling back throughout the second half, finally taking a 50-49 after Freddie Riley hit a three point shot. It was their first lead since they had an early 6-5 lead with 17 minutes to go in the first half.

That lead would be their last. Brown scored 10 points including two perimeter shots to give Stanford a 63-55 lead with just under three minutes to go. It would be all the separation they would need before it was a free throw contest to get the victory.

Both teams were not efficient from the field, Massachusetts hitting 33.8 percent and Stanford at 36.9 percent. Their three point shooting was just as bad, hitting 5-22 and 5-16, respectively.

The Cardinal countered being sloppy with the ball by dominating the glass. They had 17 turnovers but out-rebounded the Minutemen 46-34.

Critics have been hard on the Pac-12 all year, but at least the conference is in position to receive a little redemption. Stanford will await the winner of the Washington vs. Minnesota game, and a potential Pac-12 final could take place in New York on Thursday night.

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