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<TITLE>ClariNews: NIT semifinals tonight in New York / Mar 25</TITLE>
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<I><A HREF='http://www.clari.net/'>ClariNet</A> <CLARI-ITEM TYPE>story</CLARI-ITEM> <B><CLARI-ITEM SLUGWORD>BKC-LGNS-NIT-R</CLARI-ITEM></B> from <CLARI-ITEM FROM>Sports Ticker</CLARI-ITEM></I><BR>
<H1><CLARI-ITEM HEADLINE>NIT semifinals tonight in New York</CLARI-ITEM></H1>
<I><B><CLARI-ITEM COPYRIGHT>Copyright 1997 by SportsTicker Enterprises L.P.</CLARI-ITEM></B></I> / <I><CLARI-ITEM DATE>Tue, 25 Mar 1997 5:41:18 PST</CLARI-ITEM></I><P>
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<H2>SPORTSTICKER COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOTE</H2>
<P>
<P>There are certain similarities to the NCAA Final Four that
surround the four teams in this year's National Invitation
Tournament.</P>
<P>
<P>For example, the conference representation, save for
Connecticut, is identical to the NCAA Final Four.  In one of the
semifinal games, two schools that have been mainstays meet while
the other two feature up-and-coming programs.</P>
<P>
<P>But as always, the games will be decided on the court tonight
when Florida State battles Connecticut and Arkansas and Michigan
meet at Madison Square Garden in New York.</P>
<P>
<P>Michigan (21-11) was one of the last teams knocked out of the
running for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.  The
Wolverines have taken their snubbing out on opponents, defeating
Miami, Oklahoma State and Notre Dame to earn a trip to New York.
Michigan, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament championship
game in 1992 and 1993, is 13-4 in the NIT.</P>
<P>
<P>Arkansas (18-12), which won the NCAA Tournament in 1994 and lost
in the title game the following year, defeated Northern Arizona,
Pittsburgh and UNLV in its three games to advance.  The
Razorbacks, who have made their furthest progress in the
post-season NIT, are 4-2 all-time.</P>
<P>
<P>Connecticut (17-14), which won the 1988 NIT, advanced with home
victories over Iona, Bradley and Nebraska.  The Huskies rallied
from a nine-point halftime deficit against Nebraska and have won
three straight games.</P>
<P>
<P>Florida State (19-11), which finished seventh in the rigorous
Atlantic Coast Conference, rolled past Big East foes Syracuse
and West Virginia on the road around a home triumph over
Michigan State.  The Seminoles are making their third NIT
appearance.</P>
<P>
<P>The winners of these games will meet in the championship game on
Thursday while the losers square off in the consolation game.</P>
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