McCollum scores 22 points as Lehigh defeats American U. 79-57 in Patriot semifinals

Lehigh defeats American U. 79-57

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — CJ McCollum scored 22 points and Lehigh beat American University 79-57 on Sunday night in the Patriot League semifinals.

Dave Buchberger added 16 points, Marquis Hall had 11, and Zahir Carrington had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the top-seeded Mountain Hawks (21-10), who have won four in a row and six of seven.

The Mountain Hawks got 26 points off 16 American turnovers. Lehigh made 12 steals, with McCollum getting four.

Lehigh, which improved to 14-2 at home this season, will face Lafayette in the championship game at home on March 12.

A 21-8 run over the final 9 minutes of the first half gave the Mountain Hawks a 39-21 halftime lead. Lehigh led by at least 17 points the entire second half.

Stephen Lumpkin scored 15 points, Steve Luptak added 14 and Nick Hendra 11 for the fourth-seeded Eagles (11-20), who had their three-game winning streak snapped.