Colonia (47) at Old Bridge (30), Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament , Semifinal Round - Boys Basketball

Luke Valeriano drained four 3-pointers and had six free throws for a game-high 18 points to help seventh-seeded Colonia to a 47-30 win over third-seeded Old Bridge in the semifinals of the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament at South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction.

Frank Lehmann added nine points, including five free throws, for the Patriots, which after trailing 17-11 at the break, outscored Old Bridge, 36-13, in the second half.

Colonia shined late and made 21 total free throws compared to just two for the Knights.

For Old Bridge, Julius Belton netted 14 points and Mike Oliva had 12.

With the win, the Patriots, who started the season 0-3, advance to the final where they will face top-seeded St. Joseph of Metuchen on Thursday night at 8 p.m. at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway. Colonia has now won seven straight games.

In the 54 years of the GMCT, a No. 7 seed has never won it all. The highest seed to ever earn a title was a No. 6 seed. Colonia last won the title in 2015.

The Falcons have now made 11 straight final's appearances and won seven championships in the last eight years.