Ryan Thompson scored a career-high 30 points to lead third-seeded Rider to a 67-58 win over sixth-seeded St. Peter's in the quarterfinal round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament Saturday night. Harris Mansell added 12 points and Novar Gadson had nine points and 14 rebounds for the Broncs (19-11, 13-6 MAAC), who advance to face second-seeded Niagara in Sunday's semifinals. Rider blew a 14-point lead but regained control midway through the second half on a three-point play by Thompson that made it 49-48 with 10:32 remaining. St. Peter's, which led 46-44 with 12:26 remaining, kept it close the rest of the way but was unable to tie the game. Ryan Bacon scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Peacocks (11-19, 8-11 MAAC), who also got 14 apiece from Wesley Jenkins and Nick Leon. Rider jumped ahead 20-6 with a 15-2 run that included back-to-back three-point plays by Thompson before St. Peter's cut the lead to 39-32 at halftime.
