SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College men's basketball came from behind in the second half and then pulled away for an 82-71 in over Vassar College in a Liberty League semifinal Wednesday at the Williamson Center.
 
The defending champion Thoroughbreds will host St. Lawrence in the title game on Saturday at 4 p.m.  St. Lawrence knocked off second seed Union College, 91-85.
 

Skidmore (17-8) had five players in double figures, led by 18 each from senior Erik Sanders and freshman Edvinas Rupkus. Rupkus had a game-high nine rebounds to go along with two assists, a block, and a steal. Freshman Jack Byrne and junior Royce Paris hit for 13 each, while sophomore Marcus Jackson scored a career-high 12 points.
 
Jesse Browne led Vassar (12-14) with 18 points and three assists. Erikson Wasyl scored 14 and Paul Grinde added 13.
 
Vassar hit six of 12 first-half three-point attempts on the way to 36-31 lead at the break.
 
The Thoroughbreds came out strong in the second half, erasing the deficit and taking the lead for good, 42-41 on a Jack Byrne three with 15:44 to play.  
 
The game stayed tight until Skidmore broke it open with a 12-4 run to take a 61-51 lead with 8:03 left. Jackson powered his way inside for six of the 12 points, while Paris scored four.
 
Vassar didn't get any closer than seven the rest of the way, with Thoroughbreds leading by as many as 14.
 
Skidmore hit 6-of-9 threes in the second half after going 3-14 in the first half.  The Thoroughbreds had a 38-31 rebound advantage and outscored the Brewers 32-20 inside. Bench scoring went Skidmore's way, 18-9.
 
The Thoroughbreds will be playing for their fourth Liberty League title and NCAA Division III Tournament bid. In addition to last season, Skidmore won titles in 2011 and 2012. St. Lawrence has won four (two Liberty League and two Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association). The last time in 2010.

Coach Burke:
I first need to thank the crowd. We had a terrific atmosphere tonight and it was a combination of our students and the great local support that we get all year long.

This was just a terrific college basketball game. Vassar is really good and well Coached and we needed to play a great second half to win. I thought defensively we turned it up a notch which helped us get in a flow.

I am proud of the resiliency that our guys continue to show. They continue to fight and we continue to get great contributions from different people.
We will enjoy this for the night and then get ready for Saturday.  St Lawrence is another really good team and we are going to need to play well.