March 20, 2001
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By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Maynard Lewis scored 16 points and Purdue made eight 3-pointers in a 79-61 victory over Auburn in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday night.
Rodney Smith added with 15 points, and Kenny Lowe 12 for the Boilermakers (17-14), who will play the winner of Tuesday night's Alabama-Toledo game on a date yet to be determined.
Kyle Davis led Auburn (18-14) with 19 points and nine rebounds. Jamison Pohlman added 18 points and Maquis Daniels 14.
After shooting 12-of-20 from 3-point range, including 7-of-8 by Lewis, in an opening-round win against Illinois State, Purdue made seven in the second half to open up a 27-point lead. They finished 8-of-20.
Lewis' second 3-pointer opened up a nine-point lead 3 1/2 minutes into the second half. He later followed with back-to-back 3-pointers for a 42-30 edge. Lewis made 3-of-5.
That started a 23-5 run, highlighted by two 3-pointers from Smith and one from Lowe, that made it 57-35.
Auburn trailed 12-3 early in the first half, but cut the gap to one. Purdue went on a 7-2 run and led 38-22 at halftime.
Eleven Boilermakers players scored and they had a 43-33 rebounding edge. Purdue was won three of its last four games.