ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University Men's Basketball team defeated Marywood University in the Atlantic East Conference tournament semifinals on Wednesday night by a final of 89-69. Not only does that clinch a spot in the championship game, but it was also Jim Rullo's 200th coaching victory at Neumann.

  Donte Dupriest led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the double-double, adding a team-high five assists as well. Five Knights ended up with double digit points as DJ Earl put up 19, TJ Lewis had 17, Bryan Etienne had 12, and Bryan Warren dropped 10.

  Both teams started off even as the game was even at six after three minutes of play. The Knights slowly started to pull ahead as they went on a 12-7 run to take a five-point lead at the 12:34 mark. The Pacers used their three-point prowess to claw back into the game as they got within two with 8:52 left. Over the next six minutes, Neumann exploded for a 16-2 push, and they nudged the lead to 16. Marywood scored the next four but a late layup by Dupriest put a bow on the half with a late layup, giving the Knights a 45-31 lead at the break.

  Neumann extended the lead further as they started the second with a 9-2 run, taking a 20-point lead with 17:42 on the clock. The Pacers roared back with a 13-4 run over the next three minutes to get back within 11, but again, a Knights stretch of 13-5 made it a 71-52 game with 8:51 left. Marywood ran out of runs as Neumann was able to keep the Pacers at bay, clinching the game, and the championship berth with a 20-point victory.

  Neumann (19-7) advances to the Atlantic East Conference championship game against Marymount University, who defeated Gwynedd Mercy in their semifinal. The Knights will host the final at the Mirenda Center on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM.