The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's basketball team took their act on the road and fell at the University of District of Columbia, 63-62. The setback was the Spartans' third straight, despite 13 points each from Justin Brown and Irin Stark. The Firebirds improved to 16-3 overall, and 7-2 in East Coast Conference play, while STAC fell to 7-11, 3-6.

For the first time since their opponent's entry into the ECC, the Spartans took the trip south to our Nation's Capital to square off with the formidable Firebirds. The hosts set the tone early, bolting to a 14-6 lead but STAC rebounded with a 14-4 streak of its own to grab a two-point lead with just under seven minutes left in the first half. UDC quickly recorded the next nine points to jump back on top and seemed in control with a 32-24 halftime edge.

UDC remained on top for the entire second half, stretching its margin to as many as 10 points on four different occasions, but were unable to finish off the feisty Spartans. The Firebirds appeared to have matters in hand with a 58-50 cusion with just 1:45 left, but they were forced to convert on their offensive trips as the visitors stroked four three pointers - two by Stark, and one each by Brown and Omar Kellman - in the tilt's waning seconds. Despite Kellman's trey at the buzzer that provided the final score, the Spartans were never in possession of the ball with the chance to tie in the second half.

Brandon Herbert led the way for the victors with a game-high 14 points, aided by mates Dishawn Bradshaw (12 points) and Ziad Ashmawy (10 points, 10 rebounds). Nick Lopez also chipped in for STAC, recording 11 points while Brown grabbed nine boards to lead his squad in that category.

Both teams turned up the defensive pressure as the powerhouse UDC squad was held to just 40% shooting (25-63), while St. Thomas Aquinas posted just 35% accuracy (21-60). The Spartans stayed close by burying eight three-pointers on 19 shots (42%) while the Firebirds were just 3-of-15 (20%). STAC dominated on the glass, outrebounding their foes, 48-36. The foul line was a deciding factor as UDC posted 72% on 18-25 shooting, while the Spartans shot just nine times, completing four (44%).

Today's contest was the first of a string that will see the Spartans play six of eight on the road, continuing at Queens College in a 7:30 pm tipoff this Wednesday, February 1. They return home to take on Molloy in a 3:00 pm matinee on Saturday, February 4 - these contests are part of double-headers following games featuring the women's squads.