MIAMI SHORES, Fla.-  STU bounced back after a tough loss to Barry (7-2) last week by beating them on their home floor Friday night, 73-58.

St. Thomas took the week off for finals, and picked up where they left off by facing the Buccaneers for the second consecutive game.  Unlike the first game, STU jumped out to a hot start and gained a 10-point lead in the first 8 minutes of the opening half.  The Bucs were unable to make up any ground for the remainder of the period and St. Thomas took a 37-24 advantage into the locker room.  STU outscored Barry 20-10 inside the paint and grabbed 10 more points on fast breaks.  STU shot an admirable 52% from the field with 5-of-11 coming from three.  Antonio Jones led all scorers at the break with 16.

STU continued controlling the game well into the second half despite a run by Barry that brought the Bobcats' lead to 6 with 9 minutes remaining.  STU fended off the attack and  took advantage of Jones' perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line to sustain their lead.  The Bobcats handed Barry their second loss of the season in a victory that is sure to inspire the Bobcats' play heading into Sun Conference action.

Jones totaled 32 points on 9-of-16 shooting with 6 three-pointers for the game. David Nesbitt provided 17 quality minutes off the bench with 10 points and 7 rebounds.  As a team, STU shot an outstanding 14-of-16 from the free-throw line which was key in holding off the Bucs late in the game.  STU (4-3) will face the University of St. Francis (IN) on December 29 at 5 pm in the Fernandez Center for the Miami Gardens Classic.