The St. Thomas Aquinas College men's basketball team won it's fifth straight game, an 88-67 East Coast Conference decision at Mercy College. Chaz Watler led all scorers with 22 points as the Spartans now stand at 11-4 overall and 5-2 in the ECC, with Mercy falling to 4-7, 2-5.

Repeating the pattern of the past four games, the Spartans battled through a competitive first half before pulling away. Strong defense held Mercy without a field goal for over five minutes as a 7-1 run gave the visitors an early 12-6 lead. The Mavericks held tough, trailing by just four at 20-16 with just under seven minutes to play in the first half, but STAC opened some distance with a 34-24 halftime advantage.

A pair of free throws drew the hosts to within eight in the opening minute of the second half, but Watler and Sam Berlin each posted four points in a 12-3 run, widening the gap to 46-29. Watler's play spurred his team to a 34-15 outburst in the second half, putting the contest out of reach.

Aaron Cust (13 points), James Mitchell (11), Jonathan Lawton (10) and Justin Reyes (10) also added to the points parade for STAC, while Shaquille Stokes' 15 set the pace for the Mavericks.

The Spartans return to Aquinas Hall on Thursday, January 14, hosting the University of the District of Columbia in an East Coast Conference tussle. Game time is set for approximately 8:00 pm, as the back end of a twin-bill featuring the women's teams starting at 6:00.

- Steve Balsan, St. Thomas Aquinas Sports Information

- Photo by Dorice Arden