Early NIT exit ends Va. Tech’s season

CINCINNATI — David DeJulius had 21 points and Cincinnati ended Virginia Tech’s season with an 81-72 victory Wednesday night in the first round of the NIT.

DeJulius added six rebounds and seven assists for the Bearcats (22-12), while Landers Nolley II scored 15 points and added 12 rebounds against his first college team.

Justyn Mutts led the Hokies (19-15) with 19 points and six rebounds. Grant Basile added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Hunter Cattoor had 13 points and Sean Pedulla had 10 points and five assists.

Cincinnati took advantage at the foul line, converting 17 of 20 free throws compares to the Hokies’ 6 of 8.

Late Wednesday NCAA FIRST FOUR Arizona State 98, Nevada 73:

DJ Horne had 20 points and Arizona State raced to a big halftime lead and scored the most points ever in an NCAA First Four game, burying Nevada in Dayton, Ohio.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. — a Nevada transfer — scored 17 points as Arizona State (23-12) led 53-26 at the half and then kept up the pressure on the way to the rout.

Arizona State advanced as a No. 11 seed to face TCU in a West Region first-round game tonight in Denver.

Will Baker scored 17 and Tre Coleman had 14 for the Wolf Pack (22-11).

Fairleigh Dickinson 84, Texas Southern 61:

Ansley Almonor scored 23 points and Fairleigh Dickinson beat Texas Southern to earn its first NCAA Tournament win in four seasons.

The Knights (20-15) held a 14-2 lead after a 12-0 run in the opening 3:29 and never gave up the lead.

Fairleigh Dickinson advanced to the East Region to play top-seeded Purdue in Columbus, Ohio, tonight.