COL BKB: Miami 78, Providence 66

PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 18 (UPI) -- Jack McClinton scored 25 points Wednesday to lead Miami-Florida to a 78-66 victory against Providence in the first round of the NIT.

Despite an off-night, the sharpshooting senior guard buried 7-of-14 3-pointers and also had seven rebounds.

Miami built an early 11-4 advantage, led 33-28 at halftime and never trailed.

Lance Hurdle scored 12 with four assists.

James Dews scored eight with eight with three rebounds and five assists, while all 10 players scored for the Hurricanes (19-12), who face either Florida or Jacksonville in the second round.

Losses in six of seven during one stretch in the second half cost them a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament.

Weyinmi Efekuju led Providence with 16 points and three rebounds.

Brian McKenzie scored 13, and Jonathan Kale added 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots for the Friars (19-14), who finished their season by losing three of their final four contests.