Southern Miss beats Missouri 71-63 in NIT

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Winning in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament means a lot to Southern Mississippi guard Neil Watson.

Watson scored 18 points to lead Southern Mississippi past Missouri 71-63 on Sunday and said there were 14 family members at Mizzou Arena to support him.

"Sounded like a 114," coach Donnie Tyndall said.

Aaron Brown added 16 points for the third-seeded Golden Eagles (29-6), who have won eight of their past nine games and advance to play at No. 1 seed Minnesota for the right to go to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Jeremiah Eason's layup broke a 14-14 tie with 9:34 remaining in the first half and the Golden Eagles led the rest of the way. Missouri cut its deficit to three points on a 3-pointer by Earnest Ross with 14:41 left, but the Tigers could get no closer.

Sunday's NIT scores

Clemson 50, Illinois 49

Minnesota 63, Saint Mary's (Calif.) 55

Southern Miss 71, Missouri 63