March 20, 2006

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Nathan Bilyeu converted a three-point play with 2.3 seconds left to lead Missouri State to a 60-59 win over Houston in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament on Monday night.

Missouri State (22-8) plays at Louisville on Wednesday night with the winner advancing to the tournament semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Houston's Lanny Smith, who finished with 21 points, scored with 11.5 seconds left to give the Cougars a 59-57 lead.

Missouri State's Deke Thompson drove to the basket on the other end and missed but Bilyeu converted the putback and was fouled. He made the foul shot to give the Bears the lead.

Houston (21-10) had just four field goals in the first 16:35 of the second half. With the score tied at 49, the Cougars went scoreless for the next 6:15 while Missouri State pushed ahead to a 54-49 lead with 6:01 remaining.

Smith made a 3-pointer with 51 seconds left to tie it at 57 for Houston, which went 12-for-43 from behind the arc.

Kellen Easley had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Missouri State. Bilyeu finished with 12 points.

Ramon Dyer scored 16 for Houston.