ST. PAUL, Minn. - Ben Figini had 20 points on 10-of-13 shooting as St. Olaf captured the MIAC Men's Basketball Playoffs title with a 72-66 victory over top-seeded St. Thomas on Sunday at Steve Fritz Court.

The Oles (18-9) overcame a four-point halftime deficit to reach the NCAA Division III tournament for the third straight season. Riley Aeikens added 13 points, Justin Pahl 12 and Austin Majeskie had 11 and a career-best six blocks as St. Olaf picked up its eighth win in the last nine games.

It is the second MIAC postseason title for St. Olaf, which won its first in 2014. 

Grant Shaeffer had 20 points to lead the seventh-ranked Tommies (24-3), who should have a spot in the Division III field when it is announced on Monday. Taylor Montero chipped in 15 points and Cortez Tillman had 11 in the loss. 

St. Olaf was efficient at the free throw line, making 16-of-20. The Oles won the rebound battle, 36-29, and held the Tommies to 42.9 percent shooting. UST had only eight turnovers, but the Oles had 17 assists to the Tommies' 10.

UST raced to a 22-13 lead on the heels of a pair of Jimmy Remke three-pointers in the first eight minutes. The Oles got back in the game with a 12-4 run. St. Olaf took its first lead of the second half with a Pahl bucket with 12:55 to go and never trailed again.