ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Babson College shot 67% from the floor in the second half to pull away for a huge 84-74 victory over the University of Rochester in the Chuck Resler men's basketball tournament at the Palestra on Saturday night. With the win, the Beavers improved to 2-1 overall, while Rochester fell to 1-1.

The Beavers made 18 of 27 shots from the floor, including six of 10 outside the arc and outscored UR, 53-37, in the second period. Junior Kris Noonan led Babson with 19 points and four steals, while sophomore Russell Braithwaite scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Sophomore Marcus McDermott added 16 points, five boards, and four assists, sophomore Alex Rudolph netted 13 points to go with five assists and three steals, and senior captain Matt Zoia chipped in with 11 points.

Nate Novosel scored a career-high 26 points for Rochester. He hit eight of 11 from the floor, 10 of 12 from the line. David Gould scored 16 points. Mike Labanowski had 12, and Chris Dende scored 11.

The tournament was played in a round robin format this year. Bates College defeated St. Lawrence University, 71-50, in the opening game on Saturday. The tournament MVP was Brian Ellis of Bates. He was joined by teammate Alex Gallant, McDermott and Braithwaite of Babson, Novosel and Labanowski of UR. 

Novosel made two layups and Labanowski hit a trey to key a 7-0 lead that built a 25-11 edge for Rochester midway through the first half. Babson chipped away, getting within four points twice, the last time at 33-29 on Braithwaite's layup with 3:10 to go. It was 37-31 in favor of Rochester at halftime.

A putback by Rudolph gave Babson a 59-57 lead with 9:55 left in the second half and the Beavers held the edge for the rest of the game.

NOTE: Taken from a University of Rochester press release.