ROCHESTER, N.Y. (November 30, 2013) – Six players contributed to a 15-5 run over the last 4:25 as the University of Rochester rallied to defeat Clarkson University, 71-67, in the semifinals of the UR/Holiday Inn Airport Classic at the Louis Alexander Palestra. 

The win puts Rochester into Sunday's championship game against high-scoring Mount Union University. The Purple Raiders outscored Hartwick, 95-81, in the first semifinal. The title game tips off at 3 pm. Clarkson will play Hartwick for third place at 1 pm. 

Nate Vernon led Rochester (2-3) with 17 points. Tyler Sankes added 19 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Reardon scored nine points, all on three-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds. The Yellowjackets snapped a three-game losing streak.

Marques Charlton scored a game-high 18 points for Clarkson (3-2). Dylan Hodownes scored 14 points, and John Coleman had 13, plus six boards. Between them, Charlton (four) and Hodownes (three) combined for seven three-point field goals.

A three-pointer by Rochester's Jared Seltzer put Rochester ahead, 52-47, with 11:05 left. Clarkson ran off 13 straight points, six by Coleman and seven by Hodownes, to take a 60-52 lead with 7:38 remaining. 

Rochester fought back, nudging ahead, 63-62, on Kevin Sheehy's runner in the lane with 2:58 left. Felix Abongo sank a three-pointer out of the left corner for Clarkson to push the Golden Knights in front, 65-63, with 2:34 left. Reardon's third three-pointer of the night, this one from the top of the key, gave Rochester the lead for good at 66-65.

Vernon and Sheehy made two free throws apiece in less than a minute for a three-point edge. Coleman missed a trey from right wing with eight seconds left. Alex Hoey rebounded for the Yellowjackets, then made the front end of a one-and-one for the final margin.