EASTON, Pa. — Nick Lindner scored 25 points and Lafayette held off several second-half runs by American to win the Patriot League tournament title with a 65-63 victory over the Eagles on Wednesday night.
The fourth-seeded Leopards (20-12) became the lowest seed to win the league tournament title — and its automatic bid to the NCAA tournament — in its 25-year history.
After defending champion American (17-16) took 55-53 lead on Marko Vasic’s three-point play with 5:07 left, the Lafayette got consecutive 3-pointers from Seth Hinrichs and Zach Rufer to regain the lead for good.
With Lafayette up 61-60, Lindner hit a driving shot with 38 seconds left. After American’s John Schoof missed a 3-pointer, Lindner hit two free throws to seal it.
Lindner, a sophomore point guard, was named tournament MVP.
Vasic finished with 15 points to lead the Eagles.
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