Alabama tops New Mexico in second round

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Trevor Releford's speedy drives, Tony Mitchell's high-flying dunks and an effective dose of full-court pressure kept Alabama alive in the National Invitation Tournament.

Mitchell scored 23 points, and Releford matched his career-high with 20 to lead the Crimson Tide to a 74-67 win over New Mexico on Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

The Tide (23-11), mostly known for their defense, made 15 of 20 shots in the second half to move into the quarterfinals. Alabama will host Miami on Wednesday night, aiming for its sixth trip to the NIT's Final Four at Madison Square Garden.

"I think our guys are excited to still have an opportunity to continue to play and continue to try to play for a championship," Tide coach Anthony Grant said.

Kendall Williams led New Mexico (22-13) with 18 points, including a couple of 3-pointers in the final 35 seconds to cut it to a six-point deficit.

Then Charvez Davis hit one of two free throws with 24 seconds left to make it a three-possession game and seal it for Alabama.

■ Miami 81, Missouri State 72 -- At Coral Gables, Fla., Durand Scott scored 20 points, and Adrian Thomas added 16 in the second half to help the Hurricanes rally into the NIT quarterfinals with a win over the Bears.

Missouri State (26-9) was led by Adam Leonard with 26 points and Kyle Weems with 18. Leonard went 9-for-11 from the floor, including 7 of 8 from 3-point range.

Missouri State led by as many as nine points in the first half.

■ Washington State 74, Oklahoma State 64 -- At Pullman, Wash., Klay Thompson scored 14 of his 24 points in the first half to help the Cougars win their second-round game against the Cowboys.

Brock Motum added 17 points and DeAngelo Casto 11 as Washington State (21-12) moved into the quarterfinals against Northwestern on Wednesday.

Matt Pilgrim had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma State (20-14).