The American University men's basketball team survived a late run by Army to earn a 65-59 victory over the Black Knights Wednesday night in West Point, N.Y.

The win, coupled with Lehigh's 94-90 overtime loss to Colgate, secures a top-four seed for the Eagles in the 2011 Patriot League Tournament and the right to host at least a quarterfinal round game in Bender Arena. American has finished in the top four of the regular season conference standings each year since joining the League in 2001-02 and has advanced to the tournament semifinals each year.

Postseason tickets will go on sale tomorrow, February 17 at 3:00 p.m. and can be purchased through the Bender Arena Ticket Office by calling (202) 885-TIXX or online by clicking here.

Nick Hendra scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Eagles and matched his career-high with seven assists. The senior, who has dished out at least four assists in each of the team's last five games, shot 7-of-11 from the field and also pulled down three rebounds.

Stephen Lumpkins notched his sixth double-double of the year with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Troy Brewer and Vlad Moldoveanu also scored in double-digits for American with 12 points and 11 points, respectively. Army was led by Jeremy Hence's 17.

American began the game shooting 4-of-6 from the field but early turnovers allowed the Black Knights to remain close at 8-5.  Army took a 12-11 lead on a Brian Hornstein layup then forced a turnover on each of the Eagles' next two possessions for a 16-11 lead. Jeremy Hence capped off a 9-0 run for the Black Knights with a basket in the paint, putting Army on top 20-11.

Lumpkins ended the Eagles' drought with back-to-back baskets and followed a Steve Luptak three-pointer by hitting 1-of-2 at the free throw line to bring American to within one. Charles Hinkle's three on the ensuing possession made it an 11-0 stretch for the Eagles and put American back in front 22-20.

The teams traded the lead four times in the closing minutes of the half with American taking the lead for good on a Brewer three-pointer. Hendra added another three moments later and the Eagles took a 30-27 lead into the locker room. Lumpkins led all scorers at the break with seven points and nine rebounds while Brewer, Hendra, Hinkle and Moldoveanu each notched five.

American opened the second half with seven straight points to take a 37-27 advantage. Brewer scored the first five for the Eagles out of the break and was followed by a Lumpkins bucket for the double-digit lead. Army cut its deficit to 41-35 but would get no closer following baskets from Moldoveanu and Lumpkins.

Luptak regained a double-digit lead for American with his second three-pointer of the night, 52-41. The Eagles maintained the margin for nearly four minutes before five quick points by the Black Knights made it a 56-50 game with 5:27 to play. Ella Ellis pulled Army to within 56-52 and after a Josh Herbeck three-pointer the Black Knights trailed just 58-55.

Jeremy Hence capped of a 12-2 Army stretch with a basket in the paint and answered a Hendra layup moments later to keep the margin at one, 60-59. Leading 62-59 after a Lumpkins score, Luptak forced a jump ball on the floor which resulted in a Brewer free throw, giving American a four-point cushion 63-59. Hendra would add two more at the line with 19 seconds remaining, securing the 65-59 victory for the Eagles.

American returns to action Sunday, February 20 when it hosts Holy Cross at 2:00 p.m. in Bender Arena. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as the first 1,000 through the door will receive a free Clawed The Eagle bobblehead courtesy of TEAM AU corporate partner GEICO.

Tickets to Sunday's game are still available and can be purchased by calling (202) 885-TIXX or by clicking here. Fans unable to attend the game are reminded that they can catch all of the action live online via a subscription to Patriot League All*Access.