The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's basketball team came up short in its season opener, dropping the first of three games in their tournament opener against UPR-Rio Piedras, 74-62. Newcomer Sean James led the Spartan attack with 22 points with Justin Brown chipping in with 12.

STAC got off to a strong start in game one of the tourney in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and carried a 35-31 lead into halftime. Their shooting ran cold after the break, however, as the Spartans posted just 31% (10-32) over the final 20 minutes and were outscored, 43-27.

Hector Maldonado set the pace for the Gallitos, with a game-high 24 points while teammate Angel Acevedo contributed 14. James had the hot hand from the perimiter, shooting 5-of-6 on three point attempts while Omar Kellman was a force on the boards for St. Thomas Aquinas, grabbing a game-high 16 caroms.

The Spartans return to action Saturday to face UPR-Mayaguez, then enjoy a day off Sunday before wrapping up against UPR-Bayamon on Monday.