The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's basketball team held a late lead but were outlasted by the University of Bridgeport, 82-78, in the championship game of the East Coast Conference Tournament at Pratt Center. ECC Rookie of the Year Justin Reyes posted 22 points and 17 rebounds with Chaz Watler adding 20 points, but the Spartans suffered their second championship game setback in as many games, ending an exciting campaign at 21-11 overall.

Jesse Jones and Devon Elliott hit consecutive three-pointers as Bridgeport opened an early 12-point lead at 16-4. The Spartans would rally on the strength of James Mitchell's eight straight points, including two three pointers, to trim the gap to 31-30 before STAC settled for a 37-34 hafltime deficit.

Bridgeport held a 53-49 lead when the Spartans would go on a tear, ripping off nine straight points to take a 58-53 lead, their biggest to that point. STAC would maintain that lead and looked to be in command when Reyes' three-point-play with 5:01 to play put the top seeds in a 71-64 lead.

Jones would take command from that point, pouring in 12 of his game-high 28 points during that stretch, giving his Purple Knights a lead they would not relinquish in capturing their third straight ECC Championship and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Tournament Most Outstanding Player Willie Williams III contributed 20 points and 10 boards for Bridgeport while Mitchell ended the day with 14 for STAC. Foul shooting was a big difference in the affair, with UB coming up clutch at 88% (22-of-25) compared to just 60% for the Spartans, (12-20). Watler and Reyes were named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts.