Shpresa Liharevic recorded her 1,000th career point en route to posting a game-high 21 points to lead the St. Thomas Aquinas College women's basketball team to a 58-46 victory over University of the Distrcit of Columbia at Aquinas Hall. The East Coast Conference victory was the Lady Spartans' fourth in a row as they improve to 12-11 overall, 8-5 ECC, with UDC falling to 8-15, 3-10.

Liharevic would open the scoring with a three-pointer and recorded five points as the Lady Spartans bolted to a 10-0 lead in the first four minutes of play. The Firebirds reeled off the next eight points to draw within two, but that was as close as they would get for the remainder of the afternoon. Liharevic, who entered the game needing 14 points to hit the 1,000 mark, hit a buzzer-beater to draw within two of that mark and help STAC open a 29-20 halftime margin.

It would take less than three minutes after the break for the senior to record that historic basket, giving her team a 35-22 lead in the process. That hoop was part of a 12-2 run that saw STAC blow the contest open, taking charge with a 43-24 lead and they were not challenged thereafter.

Bianca Kowgios added 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Lady Spartans, Alyson Brennan cleared a game-high 13 rebounds, and Janelle Junior paced UDC with a 12-point effort. STAC dominated the glass by a 51-36 margin.

The Lady Spartans now stand in fourth place in the ECC with five games remaining, needing just one victory to clinch a post-season tournament bid. They return to action this Wednesday, February 13, when they square off with Mercy College at Aquinas Hall. The double-header starts with women's action at 5:30, followed by the men's game.