Box Score MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – In a battle of neighboring rivals, no. 13 St. Thomas (17-5, 10-2 Sun Conference) defeated Florida Memorial (7-15, 4-7) 80-67 on Tuesday night at the Fernandez Family Center. With the win and a loss by sixth ranked Embry-Riddle, the Bobcats took over sole possession of first place in The Sun Conference.

Senior Khaalis Coppock-Bey came off the bench with a career-high 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field including two three-pointers and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Junior Lorel Beckford had a game-high seven rebounds and 15 points.

The score was tied 41-41 at the end of the first half as nine different players scored for the Bobcats. STU shot 57% in the first half and were 14-19 from the free throw line. The Lions stayed in the game with four three-pointers, all by FMU's Mark Walker.

St. Thomas however pulled away with a 39-26 advantage in the second half. The Bobcats held a 58-56 lead with 9:37 left to play, then outscored the Lions 22-11 down the stretch.

For the game, STU shot 57% from the field and was 26-of-35 from the free throw line. The Bobcats outrebounded the Lions 28-23.

St. Thomas returns to action on Thursday with a Sun Conference road game at Webber International in Babson Park, Fla.