ESPN

RICHMOND, Va. -- Jonathan Lee scored 14 points, including a layup with 3 seconds remaining, as top-seeded Northeastern defeated George Mason 69-67 Sunday in the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals after trailing by 24 points before halftime.

The Huskies (20-11), who reached their first CAA final, gained possession after a steal by Quincy Ford, whose layup tied the game with 57 seconds left. Ford had three steals in the final 2 1/2 minutes.

The Patriots (18-14) scored the first 13 points and led 28-4 with 4:41 left until halftime. Demetrius Pollard scored eight of his 13 points as Northeastern got to within 31-19 at the break.

George Mason shot 78.9 percent (15 of 19) in the second half to Northeastern's 60.9 percent (14 of 23), but the Huskies were 15 of 19 at the line to the Patriots' 4 of 4.

Joel Smith added 14 points for Northeastern.

Bryon Allen scored 20 for George Mason.