Bucknell wins Patriot League title game, earns automatic NCAA bid

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Mike Muscala scored six of his 20 points during a key second-half stretch to help Bucknell capture its second NCAA Tournament berth in three seasons with a 64-56 win over Lafayette (19-15) last night in the Patriot League title game.

Joe Willman had 14 points and eight boards to form a potent frontcourt duo with Muscala, the conference player of the year for the top-seeded Bison (28-5). Muscala also had 11 rebounds.

"We're thrilled," Bucknell coach Dave Paulsen said with a hoarse voice. "I know personally, I'm numb."

The Bison hosted the Patriot League championship game last year but lost to Lehigh, which made headlines for upsetting powerhouse Duke as a 15th seed in the NCAA Tournament. -- AP