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North Carolina vaults into title game;
Oklahoma moves one step closer |
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November 19, 2008 – North Carolina overcame a huge rebounding night Wednesday from Xavier to claw its way into the championship game of the Preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
In Wednesday’s other game, Oklahoma downed Middle Tennessee 85-65.
In Wednesday’s semifinal game at North Carolina, Xavier led 53-48 midway in the second half before North Carolina, ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press poll and No. 3 in the Coaches poll, used an 11-0 run to go up 59-53.
Xavier (No. 23/22) out-rebounded North Carolina 59-34. Ta’Shia Phillips poured in 23 points and grabbed 25 rebounds for the Musketeers (2-1).
For North Carolina (3-0), Rashanda McCants had 27 points and seven rebounds. The Tar Heels will know Friday night who and where they will play in Sunday’s championship game.
Oklahoma (No. 2 AP/No. 4 Coaches) moved past the Blue Raiders Wednesday into a semifinal matchup with Arizona State. Oklahoma hosts ASU at 8 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 21. The winner will play North Carolina at a site and time Sunday to be determined.
The Sooners took control of the game in the first half with Middle Tennessee, and made 53.6 percent of their shots on the night. Ashley Paris had 21 points and five rebounds; Courtney Paris continued her national record streak of double-doubles with 13 points and 13 rebounds; and Amanda Thompson had 20 points and nine rebounds.
For Middle Tennessee, Alysha Clark led all players with 31 points and 16 rebounds. Middle Tennessee (1-1) now will host Indiana (1-1) at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, Nov. 22 in a Consolation Round 3 game.
Championship bracket
Round 2 Game
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Oklahoma 85, Middle Tennessee 65
Semifinal Games
Wednesday, Nov. 19
North Carolina 73, Xavier 67
Friday, Nov. 21
Arizona State at Oklahoma, 8 p.m. ET
Championship Game
Sunday, Nov. 23
North Carolina vs. ASU/Oklahoma winner, location/time TBD
Consolation bracket
Consolation Rounds 1-2
Host Site A
At Ball State
Friday, Nov. 21
Cleveland State vs. Illinois State, 5:30 p.m. ET
Robert Morris at Ball State, 8 p.m. ET
Saturday, Nov. 22
TBA vs. TBA, 5:30 p.m. ET
TBA vs. Ball State, 8 p.m. ET
Host Site B
At Western Carolina
**NOTE the times are different each day**
Friday, Nov. 21
Liberty vs. UC Riverside, 5 p.m. ET
Lafayette at Western Carolina, 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, Nov. 22
TBA vs. Western Carolina, 7 p.m. ET
TBA vs. TBA, 9:30 p.m. ET
Consolation Round 3
Host Site C
Tulane at VCU, 7 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 21
Host Site D
Indiana at Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m. ET Saturday, Nov. 22
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