FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Florida Gulf Coast Lady Eagles knocked off Michigan Thursday night, 71-62 before a sold out crowd at Alico Arena.
FGCU is headed for the NIT Championship game against South Dakota.
Despite finishing the season with only 5 losses, the Lady Eagles did not earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tourney, after losing its conference championship game to Jacksonville.
Thursday's victory was the fifth straight in the NIT tournament, although it didn't come easy.
FGCU fell behind in the first quarter, then had to hold off a Michigan rally in the closing minutes.
"When we had a lead we knew they weren't going to go away," said Senior Guard Stephanie Haas, who led all scorers with 20 points.
Florida Gulf Coast will play the title game on the road because South Dakota's arena seats more fans.
"Our teams played really great games on the road before, and we'll go up there and give it our best shot," said Athletic Director Ken Kavanagh.
Tip off is set for 3:00 pm Eastern time.
