Bradley wins, forces deciding CBI game

Jeremy Crouch scored 20 points to help Bradley force a deciding third game in the inaugural College Basketball Invitational championship series with an 83-74 victory over Tulsa on Wednesday night in Peoria, Ill.

Crouch hit five 3-pointers and finished 7 for 13 from the field. Andrew Warren added 17 points, including four 3-pointers. Theron Wilson had 13 points, and Daniel Ruffen had 12 for Bradley (21-16).

Tulsa (24-14) won Game 1 73-68 on Monday night. Game 3 of the best-of-3 series will be Friday night at Tulsa.

The Braves’ defense forced several miscues from the Golden Hurricane. Bradley scored 16 points off Tulsa’s 12 turnovers. Bradley turned the ball over seven times for three points.

The Braves led by 18 points with 12:33 remaining.

Women’s NIT

Michigan St. 58, N.C. State 57: Mia Johnson scored 17 points and Allyssa DeHaan had 15, including the game-winning putback, to help the Spartans (23-13) to a win over the Wolfpack (21-13) in a semifinal at East Lansing, Mich.

Marquette 86, Colorado 72: Krystal Ellis scored 27 points, Angel Robinson added 17 and the Golden Eagles (20-14) advanced to their second WNIT title game in three years, beating the Buffaloes (19-15) at Boulder, Colo.

The Golden Eagles will play at Michigan State in the championship game on Saturday.