The St. Thomas Aquinas men's basketball team topped Mercy College, 77-57. Sophomore Ra'Shad James had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals to lead the way for STAC.  Freshman Justin Brown added 14 points and 5 assists.

The Spartans got off to a 20-8 run in the opening minutes of the game.  James and Jamie Blanchard each had six points during the run.  The Mavericks fought back pulling within two behind a jumper from Desentrie Allen with 10:52 left in the half.  After both teams exchanged baskets Mercy tied it at 24 behind back to back layups from Ed Wilson.  The Spartans responding with a 11-3 run sparked by four points from Vincent Johnson and Sean Weaver to finish the half ahead 35-27.   

The Spartans continued their hot steak in the second half as they extended their lead by as many as twenty six behind a Ra'Shad James dunk with 6:14 to go in the game.  Daniel Skinner and Flynn McFadden scored 12 and 10 points respectively.  Skinner and Johnson also added five assists for STAC. 

The Spartans will return to action on Saturday as they travel to C.W. Post for a 3:30 tip.