GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Billy Donovan loved watching Jamelle Cornley play in high school. He loved watching him in college, too.

Seeing Cornley manhandle his Gators wasn't nearly as enjoyable.

Even with an injured shoulder, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound senior was too much for Florida. Cornley had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Stanley Pringle added 15 points and Penn State beat the short-handed Gators 71-62 Tuesday night in the NIT quarterfinals.

"He is a phenomenal, phenomenal competitor. Phenomenal," Donovan said. "I say this with all respect: He is a nasty competitor. I love watching him on film. I didn't love watching him play against our guys. But he is a nasty, tough competitor, and I say that with great respect."

The Nittany Lions (25-11) improved to 5-0 in the NIT quarterfinals and advanced to play either Kentucky or Notre Dame in New York's Madison Square Garden next week.

The Gators used a late run to cut the lead to 61-59, but Penn State turned to Cornley down the stretch. The 6-foot-5 senior backed down Dan Werner for a basket, then got a key rebound on the other end.

"Any time you're in a national tournament, you want to put on your best performance," Cornley said.