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March 24, 2003
NEW YORK (AP) – Marcus Hatten scored 30 points to help St. John’s rally fora 73-63 victory over Virginia in the second round of the NIT Monday night.
The Red Storm (18-13) will host the winner of Tuesday night’s game betweenUAB and Siena in a quarterfinal game Thursday.
Devin Smith scored 19 points to lead the Cavaliers (16-16). Travis Watsonand Todd Billet each added 15.
St. John’s is playing in its 27th NIT and has won the tournament a recordfive times. Virginia, a two-time champion, was making its 10th appearance.
Smith made two of Virginia’s three 3-pointers during an 11-5 run that gavethe Cavaliers a 42-34 lead with 16:54 to play. But St. John’s later went on a14-4 run, led by Hatten’s nine points, to put the Red Storm in front 62-56 with3:46 left.
Hatten went 4-of-8 from 3-point range.