COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Ellis, Irish Shoot Down Iowa, Reach Semifinals

LaPhonso Ellis sank five free throws in the final 86 seconds and Notre Dame held off Iowa, 77-68, Saturday night at South Bend, Ind., to advance to the semifinals of the Big Apple NIT.

The victory sends Notre Dame (2-0) against third-ranked Arizona Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Acie Earl’s basket brought the Hawkeyes (1-1) to within 64-63 by sinking two free throws with 2:04 left, but the Irish made 9 of 14 free throws in the final 1:26.

Elmer Bennett scored 21 points and Ellis had 20 for the Irish. James Moses had 11 for Iowa.

Nevada Las Vegas 109, Soviet Union 80--Larry Johnson collected 38 points and 20 rebounds and the top-ranked Rebels beat the Soviet National Team in an exhibition at Las Vegas.