BERKELEY, Calif., March 20 (UPI) -- Jamal Boykin made two free throws with three seconds remaining Wednesday, giving California a 68-66 win over New Mexico in the NIT's first round.
The Golden Bears will meet Ohio State in the second round.
New Mexico overcame a 13-point deficit late in the first half and caught up with 7:30 to play in the game. The Lobos could never take the lead, but they tied it at 66-66 with 50 seconds left on a short jumper by J.R. Giddens.
California's Ryan Anderson was fouled with 36 seconds to go, but the 88 percent free throw shooter missed both attempts from the line. Boykin, however, grabbed the offensive rebound. The Bears let the clock run down before Boykin stormed into the lane for a layup attempt.
Boykin's shot was blocked by Giddens, but a foul was called and Boykin made both attempts.
Giddens got a good look at a tying jumper, but it bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
Anderson led California with 26 points and Giddens had 26 for New Mexico.
