Video: Northern Arizona blocks Kent State out of CIT quarters in exciting OT finish

Northern Arizona advanced to the semifinals of the CIT in dramatic fashion, beating Kent State 74-73 in overtime in front of a rowdy home crowd.

Len Springs came up with a pair of massive blocks for the Lumberjacks to key the victory -- the second leading to the game-winning bucket from Quinton Upshur.

With his team down one and only 17 seconds left, Springs rose up and swatted Kris Brewer off the backboard, leading Upshur on a runout and a tough transition bucket for the win.

The second block in OT to the game winner #SCtop10 @SportsCenter #NAUStrong pic.twitter.com/tOJ8QT2cAz

— NAU Men's Basketball (@NAUBasketball) March 28, 2015

Upshur redeemed an otherwise terrible night, shooting 0-of-8 from three and 3-of-18 from the field before the transition game-winner.

With 27 seconds left in regulation and the game tied 61-61, Springs helped get NAU to overtime with a huge block on Derek Jackson, meeting him at the top and sending him packing:

Here is the block to keep send the game to OT. #SCtop10 #naustrong great win by our team tonight. pic.twitter.com/BqnoqegpL1

— NAU Men's Basketball (@NAUBasketball) March 28, 2015

Kris Yanku led NAU with 19 points while Aaseem Dixon added 16 points with the team's only two 3-pointers of the night. Big man Jordyn Martin had 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Springs added 10 points and 14 rebounds to his three blocks.

The blocks helped cancel out a 25-point night from Devareaux Manley, who led Kent State with six 3-pointers.

Tennessee-Martin and Evansville join NAU in the CIT semifinals, while the mighty NJIT Highlanders host Canisius on Saturday night to determine the final spot in the semis.