Maryland Escapes With 58-57 Win Over Bama In NIT
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alex Len finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds and had a key block in the final seconds to help Maryland escape with a 58-57 victory over Alabama on Tuesday night in the NIT quarterfinals.
Len's fifth block came on Rodney Cooper's drive with 3 seconds left. Then Trevor Lacey got off another potential game-winner at the buzzer after a pump-fake but it bounced off the rim.
The Terrapins (25-12) are making their first trip to the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden since 2005 and are seeking their first title since 1972.
Alabama (23-13) wiped out most of a 10-point second-half deficit but never reclaimed the lead.
Len had been on the bench with four fouls, but came up big at the end despite missing two free throws with 27 seconds left. Dez Wells and Jake Layman each had 13 points.
Levi Randolph led Alabama with 15 points.
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