ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team is heading to the 2022 Atlantic East Championship game after defeating Centenary University 76-61 in semifinal action on Wednesday evening.
 
The Knights are the No. 2 seed in the Atlantic East Conference postseason after finishing 10-2 in conference action and 18-7 overall. With Neumann's two postseason wins, its record is now 20-7.
 
In the semifinals against Centenary, Tony James and Jalen Vaughns each netter 20 points in the game to lead Neumann. Vaughns also grabbed 14 rebounds for another double-double while handing out six assists and notching four blocks. TJ Lewis netted 19 points. Ryan Starr added eight points and eight assists.
 
In first round action on Monday evening, the Knights defeated Marywood 89-62. Vaughns led the Knights with 26 points and 12 rebounds. James and KJ Speller each netted 14 points. Lewis added 10 points. Starr handed out five assists.
 
Marymount took both regular season contests against Neumann this season. Back on January 22, the Saints won 89-65 in Aston. Vaughns led the Knights with 20 points and eight rebounds. Justin Smith netted 13 points. James added 10. Starr handed out seven assists.
 
The teams rounded out the regular season at Marymount last Saturday where the Saints clinched the No. 1 seed with a 69-66 win. Vaughns scored a game-high 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Starr added 10 points.
 
For the season, Neumann is led by Vaughns, who is averaging 22.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game over 27 contests. The sophomore leads the team with 32 blocks. James is adding 11.1 points and Lewis tallies 9.7 points per game. 
 
Starr leads the team in three-pointers with 35 this season while also handing out 117 assists and taking 32 steals. James has dished out 65 assists and Lewis 59.
 
Head Coach Jim Rullo picked up his 150^th career win at Neumann in the seminal victory. Over Coach Rullo's tenure at Neumann, he has led the team to the conference championship six times, winning two titles. His teams have also reached the 20-win mark in five seasons.
 
The winner will receive the conference's AQ to the NCAA Tournament.
 
 
 
Monday, February 21, 2022 – First Round
#2 Neumann 89, #7 Marywood 62
#6 Centenary 66, #3 Gwynedd Mercy 63
#5 Immaculata 89, #4 Cabrini 86 – ot
 
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - Semifinals
#1 Marymount 84, #5 Immaculata 62
#2 Neumann 76, #6 Centenary 61
 
Saturday, February 26, 2022 - Championship 
#2 Neumann @ #1 Marymount 2PM