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Kyle Collinsworth’s 12th triple-double highlights BYU’s NIT win

Associated Press

Chase Fischer scored 27 points with seven 3-pointers, Kyle Collinsworth posted his 12th career triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists and BYU beat UAB 97-79 on Wednesday in Provo, Utah, in the NIT first round.

It was the sixth time this season that Collinsworth has reached the feat, which equaled last season’s total.

After UAB trailed by 21 at halftime, Robert Brown hit an off-balance 3-pointer and Chris Cokley converted a 3-point play, capping an 11-1 run, to pull the Blazers to 58-50. Brown made another 3 and on UAB’s next possession, he converted a 3-point play to cut it to 63-59.

But BYU found its rhythm again and Fischer scored eight straight points for the Cougars, including two 3-pointers, for an 85-70 lead.

Freshman Nick Emery finished with 22 points for BYU (24-10), which will play Virginia Tech on Friday night. The Cougars made 13 of 30 3-point attempts and shot 55 percent overall.

On BYU’s final possession of the first half, Collinsworth drove the lane and kicked it out to Emery for a 3-pointer and a 51-30 lead.

Brown scored 27 of his career-high 29 points in the second half for UAB (26-7).

Virginia Tech 86, Princeton 81 (OT): Zach LeDay had a career-high 29 points and 11 rebounds and the Hokies (20-14) beat the Tigers (22-7) in Blacksburg, Virginia, for their first postseason victory since 2011.

Seth Allen made two free throws for Virginia Tech with 32.3 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 68-all. Princeton called a timeout with 16.7 seconds left to set up a final play. Devin Cannady missed a long 3-pointer and Alec Brennan’s tip-in was off the mark at the buzzer.

Spencer Weisz pulled Princeton to 76-75 with 1:35 left in overtime. After the teams traded two made free throws apiece, Jalen Hudson made a contested layup and was fouled. His free throw gave Virginia Tech an 81-77 lead with 40 seconds left. The Hokies then made 5 of 6 free throws the rest of the way to seal it.

Hudson added 28 points and eight rebounds for Virginia Tech.

Steven Cook led Princeton with 22 points.

Cook’s behind-the-back to pass to Amir Bell in the corner for a 3-pointer gave Princeton a 61-60 lead – its first since 12-11.