The St. Thomas Aquinas men's basketball team picked up their first win of the season with a 52-49 win over Dowling.  Justin Brown had 21 points and 9 rebounds to lead STAC.  Irin Stark chipped in 11 points while Jamie Blanchard had 9 points and 7 boards.  Daniel Skinner dished out 4 assists to go with his 6 points.

The Spartans came back from an 11 point deficit with 8:11 left in the game.  Brown scored 6 points in STAC's run including a pair of free throws to tie the game 44-44 with 1:18 to go.  Neither team scored in the final minute forcing the extra period. 

In overtime the Lions got on the board first to go ahead 46-44.  Brown drained a three to give the Spartans a 1 point lead.  Dowling regained the lead with a layup and later converted on one of two free throws to go ahead, 49-47.  Blanchard made one of two free throws to bring STAC within one before Irin Starks' jumper with :29 seconds on the clock.  With a 50-49 lead, the Spartans forced Dowling into a turnover and were fouled with :18 seconds remaining.  Brown converted both free throws to give STAC a 52-49 lead and the Spartans held on for the win. 

The Lions edged STAC on the boards 36-35.  The Spartans shot 15-21 from the free throw line.  STAC will travel to Mercy on Saturday for a 3:00 p.m. game.