STATE COLLEGE — Minus their two best players and facing Rhode Island's chippy defense, Penn State closed out an NIT victory at the foul line.

Stanley Pringle scored 19 points, Andrew Jones had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Penn State withstood the Rams' backcourt pressure in an 83-72 victory Thursday night to advance to the NIT quarterfinals.

Held to 0-of-4 shooting from the field during the final 8:53 — in large part due to backcourt fouls by Rhode Island — Penn State was clutch with free throws, hitting 14 of 17 (82 percent) down the stretch.

That's impressive given Penn State had been shooting just 64 percent from the line coming into the game.

A happy coach Ed DeChellis had no explanation for the change in fortunes.

"We shot free throws like we do did the same amount before every game," DeChellis said. "Tonight, everyone stepped to the line and made them."

PSU will play the winner of tonight's game between Florida and Miami.

Playing their final collegiate games, seniors Jimmy Baron (24 points) and Kaheim Seawright (17) led Rhode Island, who closed a 16-point second half deficit to 72-66 with about 2-plus minutes left.

But after having some trouble with Rhode Island's press in the first half, Penn State recovered in the second to push the ball up for transition buckets or get second-chance points.

"They're a long and athletic team," Jones said. "One of the keys of the game was to try to get them off the glass. We tried to be physical with them and keep them off the glass."

Or the Rams would foul Penn State in the backcourt, which turned out to be a bad strategy. Penn State was 27-of-31 (87 percent) from the line on the night.

With another game to prepare for next week and injured players to tend, the team will welcome the break despite the momentum of two postseason wins.

"Now I think we might need a day off," DeChellis said.