Seniors Anders Halvorsen (20 points) and Teddy Archer (15 points) had career-high scoring nights as the No. 9-ranked Tommies rallied from a 19-point first-half deficit to outlast the Pipers, 78-70, in Friday night's MIAC semifinal playoff game at UST's Schoenecker Arena.  

Halvorsen scored 14 second-half points, including back-to-back threes and a long two-pointer during a game-closing 15-5 run over the last 6:00.  

The Toms (23-3), who improved to 12-1 at home this season, ran their win streak to five. They will play host to Gustavus in Sunday's 2 p.m. playoff championship game.

St. Thomas recorded win No. 1,499 in program history and posted its 13th victory on the season after it trailed in the second half.  

HU's Carl Hipp had another monster game to end his career as he closed with 23 points, 21 rebounds and three blocks. Junior Mike Campbell added 18 points, four rebounds and four assists.  

UST fell behind 43-24 with 2:44 to go in the first half as it had no answer for Hipp's inside play. The Toms used an 11-2 run to close the first half down 45-35, including seven points from John Nance off the bench.  

In the final 20:00, Hamline went 0-for-7 from 3-point range, had 12 turnovers, and made only five field goals in a 25-point output. The Pipers knocked down 26 of 29 at the foul line n the game for much of their offense.  

UST's Tyler Nicolai sank four treys and finished with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists with only one turnover in 38 minutes. Nance closed with 10 points and Brady Ervin had seven rebounds off the bench. Alex Healy made 4-of-4 at the line and broke a school record as he ran his season streak to 28 consecutive made free throws.   

The Toms sank nine treys for the second game in a row to match their season best and survived a 17-of-29 night at the foul line.  

Click here for box score: http://www.tommiesports.com/mbb/stats/2-25-11.htm