A short run for Vermont

David Hoskins drove for the go-ahead bucket with 33 seconds left, capping a second-half comeback that carried Kansas State past Vermont, 59-57, last night at Manhattan, Kan., in the first round of the NIT.

Vermont led, 51-39, with 10:30 left after trailing by as many as 8 in the first half. But the Catamounts missed eight shots and had three turnovers in the final 5:09, allowing Kansas State to go on a 9-0 run.

Kansas State (23-11) went 5:41 without a field goal early in the second half while the Catamounts (25-8) began getting inside for easy buckets. A 3-pointer by Kyle Cieplicki followed by a layup from Chris Holm put Vermont on top, 51-39.

Martin Klimes led Vermont with 16 points, while Cartier Martin had 19 for Kansas State.

Syracuse 79, South Alabama 73 -- Eric Devendorf scored a career-high 34 points and Demetris Nichols added 15 as the Orange (23-10) rallied past the visiting Jaguars.