LUBBOCK, Texas, March 19 (UPI) -- Andre Emmett led five players in double figures with 18 points Wednesday night as Texas Tech defeated Nevada, 66-54, in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.
After trailing by nine at the intermission, the Wolf Pack (18-14) closed to within 52-49 on Jerry Petty's three-pointer with 7:35 remaining. But Emmett's jumper ignited an 11-0 spurt for Texas Tech (19-13) that broke open the game.
The Red Raiders held Nevada scoreless for more than three minutes, building a 64-49 cushion on Kasib Powell's driving layup with 4:01 remaining. Powell scored 15 points.
It was the first postseason win for Texas Tech Coach Bob Knight since he was fired at Indiana two years ago.
Last season, the Red Raiders were upset by Southern Illinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Knight's first year in Lubbock. This season, an upset of Texas in the Big 12 Conference tournament was not enough to get the Red Raiders an at-large berth.
Texas Tech hosted its first NIT game since 1979, when the Red Raiders lost to Knight's Hoosiers.
Todd Okeson scored 13 points for the Wolf Pack, who were making their first NIT appearance in six years.
Texas Tech will face San Diego State or Santa Barbara in the second round.
