LINCOLN, NEB. ? The Nebraska basketball team is going to Hawaii, and the Cornhuskers say they’ll be all business even if they are going to a destination better known for pleasure.

The Huskers set up a Monday NIT game against the Rainbows by beating Niagara, 78-70, Friday night.

John Turek and Nate Johnson each had 17 points, and the Huskers (18-12) made 12-of-12 free throws in the final 57 seconds to secure the victory.

“I’d like to say we’re going to play just another road game,” Turek said, “but it will be a fun trip.”

A win against Hawaii would move the Huskers to the NIT quarterfinals.

“Every single guy is going out each night knowing it could be our last game,” Turek said. “We want to keep this going.”

Juan Mendez scored 27 points to lead Niagara (22-10). James Reaves had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Purple Eagles.

Brian Conklin, who made three three-pointers, added 14 points for the Huskers.

Nebraska, which led the Big 12 Conference in field-goal and scoring defense, held Niagara to 40-percent shooting. Tremmell Darden, who had 26 points in the Eagles’ win over Troy State on Tuesday, was held to 11.

“It was no surprise that their defense was as good as it is,” Niagara coach Joe Mihalich said. “I’m proud of our guys. We came into very difficult circumstances and had 10,000-plus people in red shirts cheering against us. Our guys really responded, and we had some chances.”

West Virginia 79,

Rhode Island 72

Morgantown, W.Va. — D’or Fischer blocked nine shots to set a school record and lead West Virginia (17-13).

George Mason 66, Austin Peay 60

Fairfax, Va. — Two days after going 0-for-8, Lamar Butler scored 19 points and drilled the tiebreaking three-pointer with 1:24 to play for George Mason (23-9).