Illinois-Chicago bows to UNC in CIT title game

Jordan Davis had no intention of allowing Illinois-Chicago to rally.

After the Flames went on an 8-o run with three minutes remaining, Davis answered with a layup to put Northern Colorado ahead by three points. With one final defensive stop, the Bears closed the game with Davis assisting on a dunk by Jalen Sanders to beat UIC 76-71 in the CIT championship game in Greeley.

Davis finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and three assists, followed by Andre Spight with 23 points.

Marcus Ottey led the Flames in scoring Friday with 25 points.

Although UIC (20-16) kept it close in the second half, UNC (26-12) never relinquished its lead.

North Texas wins CBI.

Roosevelt Smart scored 25 points and made all 14 of his free throws, leading North Texas over San Francisco 88-77 in the deciding Game 3 of the College Basketball Invitational finals.

The Mean Green (20-18) lost the opener in the best-of-three matchup, but won 69-55 on Wednesday to set up the championship game Friday.

Four of Smart’s points came during an 8-1 run in the second half after USF rallied within 52-51. He was fouled while shooting for the first two free throws, then added two more when San Francisco coach Kyle Smith drew a technical foul.

Frankie Ferrari led the Dons (22-17) with 19 points. Nate Renfro added 18 and Chase Foster scored 12.

North Texas led 45-31 before USF began its comeback.

Jorden Duffy scored 14 points and A.J. Lawson and Michael Miller each had 12.

San Francisco played without center Matt McCarthy, who was injured in Game 2.