Incredibly, Carolina won its second straight NIT championship, beating Michigan 76-64 to claim the title. USC was the first team to win back-to-back NIT titles since St. Johns did it in 1943 and 1944.

The Gamecocks wasted little time in putting this game away. USC built a double-digit lead six minutes into the game, and built it to as many as 17 in the second half.

Tarence Kinsey and Tre Kelley led the way for Carolina with 21 and 20 points respectively. Renaldo Balkman, named NIT’s most outstanding player, scored 10 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked 6 shots for the back-to-back NIT champions.

Compiled by Don Turner