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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NIT

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Tarence Kinsey hit three free throws in the final 26 seconds of overtime and South Carolina beat Florida State 69-68 Tuesday night at Tallahassee, Fla., to keep alive its hopes of repeating as the National Invitation Tournament champions.

Todd Galloway’s two free throws got Florida State within one with 5 seconds left and the Seminoles stole the inbounds pass, but Galloway’s desperation jumper was blocked by Rocky Trice as the game ended.

The Gamecocks (20-15) thought they had the game won in regulation when Renaldo Balkman banked in a jumper at the buzzer with the game tied at 58, but officials ruled it was too late.

Alexander Johnson led Florida State (20-10) with 22 points and 10 rebounds while Isaiah Swann scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half.

Cincinnati 76, Minnesota 62: At Cincinnati, Eric Hicks had 23 points and 11 rebounds to help the Bearcats beat the Golden Gophers.

The Bearcats (21-12) will host South Carolina on Thursday with the winner advancing to the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Cincinnati’s James White had 17 points and Cedric McGowan added 11 against Minnesota.

Hicks’ four blocks gave him 110 for the season, breaking Kenyon Martin’s single-season record of 107 in 1999-2000 and moving him into second place on the school’s all-time list with 253, behind Martin’s 292.

Vincent Grier scored 18 and Adam Boone added 12 points for Minnesota (16-15).