Ann Arbor, Mich. ? Sophomore guard Daniel Horton made certain the Michigan basketball team’s first appearance in postseason play since 2000 would not end quickly.

Horton scored 20 points Tuesday night at Crisler Arena to lead Michigan to a 65-64 victory over Missouri in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament.

“We’re excited about being in the postseason, but we’re not satisfied with just getting there,” Horton said. “We’re only interested in winning, and we showed that tonight. When you know you could be one (loss) and done, you turn up your focus.”

Michigan (19-11) is 8-0 in NIT games played in Crisler Arena. The Wolverines are playing in the NIT for the eighth time in program history.

Missouri (16-14) lost for just the fourth time in its last 11 games.

The Tigers are 1-6 in six NIT appearances. Missouri’s loss to Michigan was its third in three visits to Ann Arbor, and they are 1-4 all-time in games against the Wolverines.

Michigan next will play the winner of today’s first-round game between Oklahoma and Louisiana State. The date, time and location of that game will be announced at the conclusion of the first round.

Senior forward Bernard Robinson Jr. scored 14 points, and freshman guard Dion Harris added 12 for the Wolverines.

Senior center Arthur Johnson scored a game-high 26 points for Missouri. Senior forward Rickey Paulding and junior guard Jason Conley added 10 points each.

Michigan guard Daniel Horton celebrates a basket in the Wolverine's 65-64 victory over Missouri. Michigan won the NIT game Tuesday at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.

“We look at playing in the postseason as (a) program builder, so this win is a tremendous accomplishment for our team,” Michigan coach Tommy Amaker said. “Every team dreams of playing in the NCAA Tournament, but we’re happy with where we are. Any way you can advance in the postseason is good for our program.”

Amaker’s first postseason win at Michigan came the expense of his longtime friend and former Duke teammate, Missouri coach Quin Snyder.

“It’s a hard thing to go one and out,” Snyder said. “We would have liked to have kept going, especially the way Arthur was playing. I said thank you to my seniors. Those were guys who committed to me before I’d ever called a timeout.”

The Tigers led 48-40 with 9:56 to play, but the Wolverines went on a 15-6 run to take a 55-54 lead with five minutes remaining. Missouri tied the game three times down the stretch, the last time at 59-all with 3:28 to play. Horton’s running one-hander from the baseline with 21 seconds remaining gave Michigan a 65-62 lead.

Nebraska 71,

6Sports video: Tigers face tough night

Creighton 70

Omaha, Neb. — Nate Johnson made a running layup with 11 seconds left to give Nebraska a victory over Creighton in the opening round of the NIT.

Johnson’s shot capped the Cornhuskers’ comeback from a five-point deficit in the final two minutes.

Nebraska (17-12) advances to play the winner of today’s game between Troy State and Niagara. The game will be Friday in Lincoln, Neb.

Jake Muhleisen led the Huskers with 17 points, and Johnson added 11 points.

Creighton (20-9) received 16 points from Joe Dabbert, 15 from Johnny Mathies and 13 from Nate Funk.

Saint Louis 70, Iowa 69

St. Charles, Mo. — Anthony Drejaj hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Saint Louis a comeback victory over Iowa in the first round of the NIT.

Drejaj scored 23 points, and Chris Sloan had 16 to lead Saint Louis (19-12), which trailed by 18 in the first half.