Senior guard Tyler Nicolai scored all of his 17 points in the second half, including nine during a game-closing 16-5 run, as No. 8-ranked St. Thomas outlasted Northwestern College 70-60 in Friday's NCAA men's basketball playoff game at UST's Schoenecker Arena.  

A near capacity crowd of 1,575 watched as the Tommies (25-3) posted their 14th second-half comeback vicory and improved to 14-1 at home this season. UST improved to 7-0 since Feb. 12.

UST's pressure defense helped force 12 second-half turnovers by the Eagles (21-7). The Toms used a late surge of offensive boards to burn the clock post a 36-31 rebounding advantage.  

St. Thomas also posted a 24-7 advantage in bench points, led by John Nance (14 points, six rebounds, three steals).  

Nicolai played all 40 minutes and added five steals and four assists with no turnovers with his 17 second-half points. Tommy Hannon had 11 points and nine rebounds, and Alex Healy had 10 points and six assists.  

Northwestern, playing its first NCAA playoff game, broke to a 10-2 lead and took a 32-30 halftime lead on a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Wade Chitwood scored 17 points and Brian Lecheler had 15 points and six assists for the Eagles, who had a 14-game winning streak halted.  

Teddy Archer 's inside basket put UST ahead to stay at 56-55, and Nicolai followed with a 3-point basket to push the lead to four. UST made 11-of-14 free throws in the final 2:06.  

St. Thomas advances to Saturday's 7 p.m. game against Illinois Wesleyan (20-8), an 83-76 winner over UW-River Falls. Sean Johnson scored 20 points to lead five IWU players scoring in double figures.

Tickets go on sale at 5:30 p.m.