Concordia, Westmont Advance

Two Southland schools, Concordia of Irvine and Westmont of Santa Barbara, won first-round games Thursday in the NAIA Division I men’s basketball tournament at Kansas City, Mo.

Concordia defeated Martin Methodist (Tenn.), 87-64, and Westmont was an 85-53 winner over Auburn Montgomery (Ala.).

Guard Jeremy Groth scored 22 points to lead Concordia (32-4).

The Eagles play Oklahoma Christian (21-10) today.

Center Marcus McNair had 19 points for Martin Methodist (21-10).

Guard Chris Clark scored 18 points, including four of five three-point baskets, to lead Westmont (24-9).

In all, the Warriors made 12 of 26 three-point shots.

Westmont took control of the game by outscoring Auburn Montgomery (19-10) by 22 points in the second half -- 52-30.

The Warriors play Oklahoma Baptist (25-5) today.

NIT

Minnesota and St. John’s advanced to the NIT semifinals with victories Thursday.

Minnesota (19-12) was a 63-58 winner in overtime over Temple (18-6) at Philadelphia. The Golden Gophers scored the first five points of overtime.

St. John’s (19-13) used a late 11-2 run for a 79-71 victory over Alabama Birmingham (21-13).

Minnesota plays Georgetown (18-14) and St. John’s takes on Texas Tech (21-12) in the semifinals Tuesday at New York’s Madison Square Garden.