CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Daemen scored the winning basket with 13 seconds left to upset NAIA Division II #5 Cedarville, 81-79, in an American Mideast Conference Tournament semifinal contest played in the Callan Athletic Center.

Both teams blew double-digit leads in the game. But it was the visiting Lady Wildcats, who had never beaten the Jackets in eight previous meetings, who made the plays.

CU opened up a 39-27 advantage late in the first half, but it faded to a 43-38 margin by the break. Daemen assumed the momentum with 15 straight points early in the second period and enjoyed a 12-point lead of its own at 66-54 with 9:45 to go.

The Lady Jackets rallied to tie it, 79-79, when Rachel Hurley finished off a lay-up with 1:30 left. The home team even got the ball back, but committed a shot clock violation on an air ball with 35 seconds remaining setting up the winner for Daemen.

Aubrey Siemon totaled 17 points and 17 rebounds for Cedarville, who lost for the second straight time to fall to 26-5. Hurley added 14 points, Alison Lemon scored 13, and Lydia Miller had 12.

The Lady Jackets will attempt to end the skid in the opening round of the NAIA Division II National Tournament on March 10 or 11. Daemen, 20-11, needs to win the AMC Tournament final at Walsh in order to reach Sioux City. [STATS]