MEDFORD, Mass. - The Tufts University women's basketball team won its second consecutive NESCAC title on Sunday, pulling away from Bowdoin College in the second half of a 68-52 victory at Cousens Gym.

Top-seeded Tufts (26-1) earns the conference's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. The second-seeded Polar Bears (23-4), who were playing in their 10th NESCAC title game, are very likely to receive an at-large bid when selections are announced Monday afternoon.

Bowdoin was led by 15 points and 12 rebounds from junior Shannon Brady. Four Jumbos scored in double digits, led by 16 points from junior Emma Roberson.

The Jumbos never trailed in the game, but weren't able to pull away until well into the second half. Bowdoin was within seven, 41-34, on a jumper by senior Siena Mitman with 12:33 remaining in regulation. Tufts used a 12-4 run over the next five minutes to lead by 15 (53-38) on a lay-up by North.

The Polar Bears whittled the margin down to 10, 54-44, when senior tri-captain Sara Binkhorst scored a lay-up with 5:48 on the clock. Roberson, on her way to matching a career-high for points, hit a three in response. Tufts would push the margin to 17, and Bowdoin's last gasp came on a three ball by sophomore Marle Curle that put them down 14 (63-49) with two minutes left.

Tufts had an early 15-8 lead on Roberson's lay-up at the 14-minute mark. Bowdoin was never too far behind, and closed to 17-14 on a pair of free throws by Mitman at 11:42. The teams then went six minutes without scoring until Lee's lay-up with 5:49 to play until halftime. A Brady jumper had Bowdoin within 21-18 with 4:17 remaining in the half, but Tufts would go to the locker room with a 28-22 advantage after senior tri-captain Kelsey Morehead beat the buzzer with a floating lay-up.

First-year Kate Kerrigan had nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals for Bowdoin. The Polar Bears out-rebounded Tufts by seven, 36-29. Curle and Mitman also scored nine points for the visitors.

The NCAA Division III basketball committee will announced the field and pairings on Monday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Fans can watch the selections live at http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule