WASHINGTON -- Matt Klinewski scored 17 points -- 16 in the second half -- and grabbed nine rebounds, rallying Lafayette to beat American University 62-53 on Saturday, snapping a four-game skid.

Lafayette trailed 29-22 at the break, but Klinewski opened the second half with seven points as part of a 10-6 surge that cut American's lead to 35-32 with 16:15 left. Klinewski made back-to-back layups to give the Leopards (5-14, 3-5 Patriot League) a 46-44 edge with 5:50 left and they never trailed after that. Justin Jaworski drained a 3-pointer to make it 55-51 with 1:18 remaining and Lafayette held on for the win.

Alex Petrie added 14 points and six rebounds and Jaworski chipped in 11 points for the Leopards who had a 39-28 rebounding edge over American.

Sa'eed Nelson led the scoring for the Eagles (5-14, 2-6) with 15 points. Larry Motuzis added 11 points and six rebounds and Sam Iorio finished with 12 rebounds, just one off his career high.