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NEW YORK (Ticker) -- If this was the final game of Dajuan Wagner's college career, he went out in fine fashion. Wagner scored 16 points to support a huge effort from reserve Earl Barron as Memphis captured the National Invitation Tournament with a 72-62 victory over South Carolina. Wagner, the tournament's Most Valuable Player, drilled a 3-pointer just before halftime to give Memphis (27-9) a 35-29 cushion. The freshman scored seven points in a 10-1 run to open the second half, including a 3-pointer with 15:14 remaining for a 45-30 advantage. "Every day I come in, he puts a smile on my face," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "He's freshman of the year in the country. In high school, he put up 45 shots and people thought he was a pig. Instead, he's the most unselfish player on the court." The victory, however, was not possible without Barron, who netted 19 of his career-high 25 points in the first half. Tigers forward Chris Massie picked up two fouls in the game's first 2 = minutes, leaving Memphis without a low post threat. Barron, who did not score in eight minutes in the semifinals, filled the void. "I really didn't have a choice," Barron said. "Once Chris got his second foul, I had to step up." Barron scored eight straight points to help Memphis stay close. He drilled back-to-back jumpers to cap a 7-0 run that put the Tigers ahead for good at 28-21 with just over four minutes left in the first half. "Earl Barron went absolutely crazy," Calipari said. "He used drop-steps, jump hooks, step-backs, fadeaways, you name it." Wagner also picked up two fouls midway through the first half, sending him to the bench. Calipari inserted him for the final possession of the half and he drilled a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Memphis some momentum. South Carolina (22-15) pulled within 65-56 on Carlos Powell's 3-pointer with 79 seconds remaining. Scooter McFadgon and Barron each made two free throws to seal the win. "We lost to a better team tonight," said South Carolina coach Dave Odom, who won the NIT two years ago with Wake Forest. "They surprised us with their inside play. Our inside defense was very soft, as soft as I've seen it all year." The loss spoiled a terrific game by the Gamecocks' Rolando Howell, who collected 20 points and 15 rebounds. Aaron Lucas was the only other player in double figures for South Carolina with 11 points, but the Gamecocks shot just 34 percent (24-of-70). Memphis held a 70-56 lead when Calipari substituted Wagner and senior Kelly Wise so each could receive an ovation. Wagner flashed a "No. 1" sign to the Tigers' fans and thoroughly enjoyed the celebration by lifting his MVP trophy and helping cut down the net. "It's real special," Wagner said. "It's a championship. We worked hard all year. We just wanted to get one for coach." It certainly seemed like the star guard had concluded his college career. Calipari indicated he felt Wagner was an NBA draft lottery selection and also said he was comfortable with whatever decision is reached. While Calipari was ebullient in his praise for Wagner, he was less complimentary of the NCAA Tournament selection committee. The coach had held his tongue about his team's snub but delivered some choice words after winning the championship. "Cincinnati's a No. 1 seed," he said. "We played Cincinnati for the conference (regular-season) title, and they're a No. 1 seed and we don't get in. Don't hide behind numbers. Don't hide it in a book. Explain it to me. I will vent (more) next week, believe me." Memphis improved to 17-5 against South Carolina and has won the last seven meetings, although the former Metro Conference rivals were facing each other for the first time since 1991. |
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