Sasser leads No. 1 Houston to 30th win, AAC semis

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Marcus Sasser scored 30 points and top-ranked Houston got its 30th win of the season with a 60-46 victory over East Carolina in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Cougars have back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time since their Phi Slama Jama era. Jamal Shead added 12 points for Houston (30-2).

East Carolina freshman forward Ezra Ausar had 18 points and a season-high 19 rebounds for the Pirates (16-17).

NO. 5 PURDUE 70, RUTGERS 65

CHICAGO (AP) — Mason Gillis had 20 points on 7-for-8 shooting, and Purdue held off Rutgers for a rugged victory in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

With Zach Edey drawing his usual attention inside, the top-seeded Boilermakers (27-5) got a big lift from Gillis and reserve guard David Jenkins Jr. Gillis grabbed nine rebounds and Jenkins had a season-high 12 points. Edey finished with 16 points and 11 boards.

Derek Simpson scored 18 points for Rutgers (19-14), Cam Spencer had 13 points and Clifford Omoruyi finished with 10 points and eight rebounds.

NO. 6 MARQUETTE 70, NO. 11 CONNECTICUT 68

NEW YORK (AP) — Tyler Kolek and David Joplin each scored 17 points, and Marquette moved into the Big East championship game for the first time by holding off UConn.

The top-seeded Golden Eagles (27-6) opened a four-point lead on a 3-pointer by Olivier-Maxence Prosper with 3:39 left and then held on at raucous Madison Square Garden.

UConn (25-8) had a chance to tie or win in the final seconds, but coach Dan Hurley elected not to call a timeout as his team brought the ball across halfcourt. Jordan Hawkins missed badly on a contested, desperation 3 at the buzzer.

Kam Jones added 14 points and Prosper scored 11 for the Golden Eagles,

Adama Sanogo had 19 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Huskies.

NO. 21 DUKE 85, NO. 14 MIAMI 78

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Filipowski had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Jeremy Roach hit a huge 3-pointer at the 1:32 mark and Duke held off Miami in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament semifinals.

Roach’s 3 from the left wing over Isaiah Wong with the shot clock going down gave Duke a 78-71 lead that Miami couldn't overcome.

Associated Press Cougars pick up 30th win: Houston guard Marcus Sasser (0) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket against East Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Ruartermnals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament Friday in Fort Worth, Texas. Houston won 60-46.