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San Diego State, GW, Valpo and BYU set for NIT semis in NYC

Steve Fisher’s San Diego State Aztecs have made the most of their NCAA tournament snub. (Associated Press)
Mike Fitzpatrick Associated Press

NEW YORK – It took a pointed pep talk from coach Steve Fisher to get his San Diego State players focused on the National Invitation Tournament.

Rejected by the NCAA committee on Selection Sunday after six consecutive trips to college basketball’s biggest event, the Aztecs were despondent. But they quickly regrouped.

Seeded second in their NIT quadrant, the defense-minded Aztecs (28-9) started making shots and romped their way to three straight wins – two against teams from Power 5 conferences – by an average of 18.3 points. Next up, they’ll play fourth-seeded George Washington (26-10) on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden for a spot in the championship game.

Top-seeded Valparaiso (29-6) meets No. 2 seed BYU (26-10) in the first semifinal.