MEMPHIS, March 18 (UPI) -- Wesley Witherspoon banked home a layup as the horn sounded Wednesday, lifting Memphis to a 73-71 win over St. John's in the opening round of the NIT.
Anthony Mason tied it for St. John's by hitting a 3-pointer with 17 seconds remaining but Witherspoon came through with a drive between two defenders en route to the winning shot.
With Mason extending an arm in defense, Witherspoon lifted a high shot that bounced off the glass and rolled around the rim. With the orange light rimming the backboard still illuminated signaling the end of the game, the ball fell through the hoop.
A review by the officials determined the shot had left Witherspoon's hand before time expired.
Witherspoon scored 18 points to lead Memphis (24-9), which will meet Mississippi in the second round.
St. John's (17-16) got 18 points from D.J. Kennedy.
