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Thornton carries Florida State in NIT opener

Mar 14, 2007 - 1:24 AM TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Ticker) -- Al Thornton and Florida State may not be playing in the NCAA Tournament. So they are making the best of it in this one.

Thornton had 24 points and two blocks as the Seminoles coasted to a 77-61 North Region victory over Toledo in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.

After having its dreams of the "Big Dance" dashed on Selection Sunday, Florida State took its frustration out on the Rockets, jumping out to a 39-23 advantage at intermission by shooting 60 percent (17-of-28) from the field.

The Seminoles (21-12) were never challenged following the break as they shot 64 percent (16-of-25) in the second half en route to holding an impressive 54-30 edge in points in the paint.

Isaiah Swann scored 12 points and Jason Rich and Ryan Reid each added 10 for Florida State, which scored 17 points off 11 turnovers.

Last season, the Seminoles lost in the second round of this tournament to eventual champion South Carolina.

Justin Ingram netted 17 points and Keonta Howell and Florentino Valencia chipped in 13 apiece for Toledo, which shot 41 percent (24-of-58) to finish its season at 19-13 out of the Mid-American Conference.