OMAHA, Neb. - Memphis played at Creighton in the second round of the NIT and despite a second-half rally that nearly erased a 17-point deficit, the Tigers succumbed to the Bluejays, 79-67.

Memphis completes another 20-win campaign that included two American Athletic Conference Championship victories and an NIT victory in first-year head coach Penny Hardaway's initial season in the collegiate ranks.

Jeremiah Martin had 20 points for the Tigers (22-14) to lead all scorers. Freshmen Tyler Harris and Alex Lomas each came off the bench and hit double figures in points with 11 and 10, respectively. Senior Mike Parks had nine but no other Tiger had more than six.

Mitch Ballock and Marcus Zegarowski scored 14 points apiece to lead Creighton (20-14). Davion Mintz and Martin Krampelj each added 12 points for the Bluejays. Zegarowski also had eight assists for the Bluejays.

Creighton held a 10 point advantage at the break and pushed it to a 50-33 lead early in the second half.

Memphis fought nearly all the way back with a 19-4 that made it 54-52 with just over 11 minutes to go.

The Tigers could get no closer however. Senior Raynere Thornton connected on a jumper with under nine to go but Creighton used a 10-run to pull away for good.