2016 CIT Recap: Alex Anderson's game winner sparks UT Martin to victory over Central Michigan Chippewas

UT Martin is advancing in the College Insider.com Postseason Tournament because of the heroics of senior guard Alex Anderson. With his team trailing by two points, Anderson scored five points in the final 45 seconds of the game, and the Skyhawks defeated Central Michigan 76-73.

CMU connected on a school record 15 3-pointers, only to see Anderson's triple with 45 seconds left give the Hawks the lead. UT Martin (20-14) advanced to the CIT semifinals in 2015, and now have reached the 20-win plateau for the second straight year.

Anderson finished with 21 points making 5 of 9 3-point attempts. Joining Anderson in double figures were Javier Martinez with 13 and Jacolby Mobley with 11.

Braylon Rayson led the Chippewas (17-16) with 24 points. CMU's 15 trifectas brought their season total to a Mid-American Conference record 324 for the season. Josh Kozinsky hit five triples on his way to 15 points.

The Skyhawks won the rebounding battle 39 to 33, led by all-conference forward Twymond Howard's 10 boards.

All four of UT Martin's Division 1 postseason wins have come in the CIT where they own a 4-1 record over the past two years.

The Skyhawks have won nine of their last 11 games and Central Michigan finished the season with three straight losses.

Second round games of the CIT begin Friday night.