MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The St. Thomas University Men's Basketball team (6-8, 5-1 TSC) defeated Webber International University (9-8, 1-5 TSC) on Thursday, January 3^rd from the Fernandez Family Center by a score of 91-83.

The win puts the Bobcats just a half game behind Sun Conference leader, Southeastern University (5-0).

Bobcat Starters: Antoine Joe (G), Philip Saunders (G), Amir Hill (F), Fotios Malelis (F), Adam McNeil (C)
Warrior Starters: Tommie Luke (G), Austin Evans (G), Rasheem Etienne (G), Simon Fransis (F), Malik Morrow (F)

St. Thomas Key-Points

• STU fell behind WIU 8-3 in the first three minutes of the game, at 8-3, before calling their first timeout of the game.
• Three minutes later, the Bobcats claimed their first lead of the game following a Daejour Adderley 7-0 run of his own; which included a three-pointer, a lay-up and free throws.
• Webber reclaimed the lead for the final time in the first half, before Antoine Joe added a three-point bucket of his own to put STU up 27-25.
• The Sun Conference rivals traded baskets for the remainder of the half, as the Bobcats went into the break leading 40-39.
• The game was tied for the eighth time, before a 10-0 run, which included three-point buckets from Joe and Nick Strawter, gave STU a commanding lead eight minutes into the second half.
• Philip Saunders drained a three to give St. Thomas a 15-point lead over Webber International at 72-57 with eight minutes remaining.
• As the game went into the final five minutes, Webber cut the lead to three points three minutes remaining.
• STU iced the game at the charity stripe as Justin Brown made two free throws with a minute remaining.
• Fotios Malelis threw down a dunk to officially end the game with thirty-seconds remaining to put the team up, 86-79.

Box Score Notables

• The two Sun Conference opponents tied the game eight times, including six times in the first half.
• STU capitalized off WIU mistakes by outscoring the Warriors, 17-12 off turnovers.
• The Bobcat bench added 26-points to give the starters a break with solid minutes.
• Brown shot a perfect 13-13 from the charity stripe. Brown currently has the season-high mark for the Sun Conference this season (18, 12/6/2018)

Bobcat Ballers
Justin Brown: 25 points, 13-13 FTA, six rebounds
Antoine Joe: 17 points, 5-10 3PA
Fotios Malelis: 15 points, 6-9 FGA

Upcoming
St. Thomas University travels to Warner University to take on the Royals in the Sun Conference Game of the Week, with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5^th.

-STU-