Sparkill, N.Y. - Despite an early first half lead, the men's basketball team was unable to overcome #10 St. Thomas Aquinas College, falling 71-61. The Lions now sit at 2-4 on the season and 2-3 in East Coast Conference play while the Spartans remain undefeated at 8-0 (7-0 ECC). 

How it Happened

• Three three-pointers from senior Steven Torre helped guide the Lions to a 15-7 lead after nearly seven minutes of action.
• The Spartans worked the score to within one with nine and a half minutes left in the opening frame  before taking a 25-22 lead with just over six minutes on the clock.
• A 10-8 run through the final 3:19 gave the  home team a 35-30 lead headed into the break.
• Torre and junior Frankie Phelan combined for five points to come within two, 37-35, in the early minutes of the second half, followed by a 7-0 run to put the Lions in front, 42-39.
• The score knotted 44-44, STAC put together a 10-0 run to lead, 54-44 with just under nine minutes left in the contest.
• Molloy would come within nine, 60-51, but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit. 

Top Performances

• Sophomore James Montgomery led with a game-high 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting and an 11-of-14 performance from the foul line. The forward also added three assists, one steal, and one block.
• Torre went 5-of-9 from long distance to total 15 points to go with six boards. 
• Freshman Darren Fergus rounded out the top scorers with 10 points while pulling down a game-high seven rebounds. 
• Pano Pavlidis recorded three blocks while adding six points. Pavlidis, Fergus, and freshman Mick Browne each tallied two steals. 

Up Next
The Lions and Spartans meet again tomorrow (Feb. 21) at 2:00 p.m. at Aquinas Hall.