Syracuse, Clemson Advance In NIT

UNDATED (AP) _ The NIT quarterfinals are set following Monday night's action. <br/><br/>Demetris Nichols had 20 points and Andy Rautins scored 15 as Syracuse whipped San Diego State 80-64. The Orange

Tuesday, March 20th 2007, 8:44 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ The NIT quarterfinals are set following Monday night's action.

Demetris Nichols had 20 points and Andy Rautins scored 15 as Syracuse whipped San Diego State 80-64. The Orange crammed almost 27,000 fans into the Carrier Dome for the game, the largest crowd in NIT history.

Clemson has earned the right to host Syracuse in the quarterfinals Wednesday. Freshman Trevor Booker had a career-high 21 points and Cliff Hammonds added 18 as the Tigers ripped Mississippi 89-68.

Air Force and DePaul will meet in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

Jacob Burtschi scored 21 points and the Falcons earned their school-record 25th win of the season by hammering Georgia 83-52. Air Force was never threatened after taking a 37-14 lead.

The Blue Demons advanced with a 70-65 triumph over Kansas State. Sammy Mejia and Wilson Chandler each had 18 points as DePaul reached the 20-win mark for the third time in four seasons.