Washington State is through to the NIT Final Four after a 69-67 overtime win over Northwestern on Wednesday night. It wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty, but the Cougars got it done, barely surviving mistakes and missed opportunities to seal it in regulation.
Abe Lodwick had a chance to win it in regulation after begin fouled with just .2 seconds left on the clock. However, with the game tied at 64, Lodwick couldn't connect on either free throw and the Cougs headed to overtime in Pullman.
The overtime period was a defensive struggle, just as the final minutes of regulation were, but Washington State's Klay Thompson's four points proved to be the difference, with a little help from Reggie Moore at the free throw line, as the Cougars defense held over a frantic final few moments.
Thompson finished with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Brock Motum came through off the bench, scoring 13 points and providing valuable minutes all night. Fresh off having his suspension lifted, DeAngelo Casto scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Reggie Moore and Faisal Aden each added 11 points, as well.
Washington State moves on to face Wichita State in the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden. The full bracket can be found below. For more on the tournament, check out SB Nation's CougCenter.
Upper left bracket:
No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide def. No. 2 Miami Hurricanes, 79-64
Bottom left bracket:
No. 1 Colorado Buffaloes def. No. 7 Kent St. Golden Flashes, 81-74
Upper right bracket:
No. 2 Washington St. Cougars def. No. 4 Northwestern Wildcats, 69-67 OT
Lower right bracket:
No. 4 Wichita St. Shockers def. No. 6 Charleston Cougars, 82-75
Check back with our 2011 NIT StoryStream for more on the tournament and Washington State's run to Madison Square Garden