LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jonathan Morse, Brandon Jefferson and Nicholas Kay each scored 17 points, helping Metro State overcome a second-half rally by top-ranked West Liberty for an 83-76 upset Saturday in the NCAA Division II semifinal.
The third-ranked Roadrunners had a 16-point lead in the first half, but had to hold off the Hilltoppers behind a team effort in the second period.
West Liberty (34-2) rallied within 69-68 with 3:02 left on a three-point play by All-American Alex Falk, who scored 28 second-half points and 34 overall. Metro State went on a 9-1 run, with Jefferson scoring five points, Morse making two free throws and Kay adding a layup for 78-69 lead with 1:05 left. The Roadrunners clinched the game with five late free throws, finishing 27 of 35 from the line.
Demetrius Miller added 15 points and Mitch McCarron 14 for Metro State (32-2), which advances to the April 7 final in Atlanta against the winner of the other semifinal between Drury and defending champion Western Washington.
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