EASTON, Pa. (AP)—Jared Mintz scored six points in the final 35 seconds to lift Lafayette past Holy Cross 66-63 on Sunday in a Patriot League Conference tournament semifinal.
The Leopards (19-12) were up 39-30 at halftime, led by 12 of Jim Mower’s 17 points—all on 3s—but the lead change hands eight times in the second half.
Mike Cavataio’s tip-in put the Crusaders (10-21) up 63-62 with 56 seconds to play.
Mintz then hit a jumper on Lafayette’s next possession, and after Holy Cross missed a field goal, made two free throws with 6 seconds left for the final margin.
The Leopards, who improved to 6-0 in conference tournament games at home, will play the winner of the Lehigh-American game on Friday.
Mower went 5-for-10 from 3-point range and Jeff Kari added 10 for third-seeded Lafayette.
RJ Evans led the seventh-seeded Crusaders with 21 points.
