RUTLAND, VT - A second-half comeback fell just short as the #11 Villa Maria College Vikings nearly erased a 23-point second half lead, but ultimately fell 94-89 to #10 College of St. Joseph on Wednesday night.

Villa freshman Eric Waters (Buffalo, NY/Oracle Charter) led all scorers with 27 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds.  Sophomore DeJaun Owens (Buffalo, NY/Tapestry Charter) added 23 points.

The Vikings are now 9-8 and 4-2 in United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II play and will play #6 New Hampshire Technological Institute on Thursday at 6 p.m.