March 24, 2009

AUBURN, Ala. -- Curtis Jerrells grabbed a key rebound then made a free throw with 6.9 seconds left, helping Baylor to advance to the semifinals of the NIT with a 74-72 win over Auburn Tuesday night.

Kevin Rogers added 19 points and nine rebounds to help the Bears (23-14) extend their postseason run after finishing ninth in the Big 12 Conference and going 59 years without a postseason win.

The Tigers (24-12), who matched the second-best win total in program history, had two chances in the final seconds to at least tie it.

Trailing 73-72, Auburn forced a turnover on the inbound pass with 16 seconds left. DeWayne Reed attempted a leaner and was fouled, but missed both free throws and Jerrells rebounded the second.

Rasheem Barrett's 3-point try bounced off the left side of the rim at the buzzer.