13-16 Wagner one win from NCAA tourney

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Freshman Mark Porter scored 18 points and sixth-seeded Wagner overcame the loss of its best player and an early 11-point deficit to stun top-seeded Monmouth 63-60 in the semifinals of the Northeast Conference tournament on Sunday.

DeEarnest McLemore added 11 points and freshman Jason Rudakas hit two late free throws for the Seahawks (13-16).

Wagner, which started the season with a 1-12 record, will meet second-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson in the championship game on Wednesday, with the winner getting the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.