Caraballo Nets 25 as Spartans Prevail in 85-79 Victory at Saint Rose

Caraballo Nets 25 as Spartans Prevail in 85-79 Victory at Saint Rose

The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's basketball team claimed an 85-79 victory in a non-conference battle at the College of Saint Rose. The nationally-ranked Spartans now stand at 12-2 overall, with Saint Rose slipping to 3-11. Osbel Caraballo scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half to lead STAC, with Demetre Roberts adding 18 and Sekou Cisse chipping in 16. Sekou Sylla was the standout for CSR with a game-high 32 points.

A series of lead changes saw the Golden Knights hold a 19-17 edge after eight minutes of play but Demetre Roberts tied the score and added a three-pointer to touch off a 9-0 run, giving the Spartans a 26-19 lead. A Caraballo layup in the waning seconds of the half staked STAC to a 43-33 lead at intermission. Saint Rose narrowed the gap to as little as a pair but the visitors reclaimed their cushion and held off a late flurry in the final minutes to secure the victory.

The Spartans return to action for another non-conference showdown on Wednesday, January 8, when the University of New Haven visits Aquinas Hall with tip time set for approximately 7:30 pm, as the back end of double-header action starting with the women's teams squaring off at 5:30. STAC returns to East Coast Conference play when Molloy College invades Aquinas Hall for a double-header starting with women's action at 1:00 pm followed by the men's teams at 3:00.