ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan men's basketball team fell to Saint Thomas Aquinas in an East Coast Conference battle on Sunday afternoon, 89-84.
 
In a game that looked like the Spartans would run away with the lead in the first half it was the Redhawks who gained momentum in the second half giving themselves a chance to tie the game late in regulation.
 
The free throw line became the best friend of the Redhawks in the first half as the team scored 20 of its 30 first half points from the charity stripe. Roberts was woeful from the field, shooting just 14-percent going 4-of-28. The Redhawks were 20-of-25 (80%) from the free throw line. At the half the Spartans led 43-30.
 
In the second half the Redhawks' offense started knocking down shots with freshman Gintaras Bartaskas leading the way. Bartaskas hit six three pointers on seven attempts to give Roberts life and eventually draw them within three points of STAC with 39 seconds left in the game. The Redhawks hit nine three pointers in total in the half and shot over 55-percent from the floor.  
 
After slowly narrowing a 17 point Spartan lead in the second half Bartaskas' long range shot with 39 seconds left brought the Redhawks within three points at 87-84. Roberts then forced a missed shot and quickly brought the ball down the court giving Justin Vaughan an open three pointer to tie the game with nearly five seconds left, but the shot was just short, hitting the front of the rim. STAC hit a couple free throws to close out the game.
 
Bartaskas finished with 20 points, three assists and three rebounds. Isaiah Lewis had 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
 
The Spartans were led by ECC Preseason Player of the Year Justin Reyes who posted 15 points and six rebounds.
 
The Redhawks came down with 14 offensive rebounds leading to 15 second chance points. STAC finished with just two second chance points.
 
Roberts (8-3, 1-1 ECC) will head to Bridgeport, Conn. to take on the University of Bridgeport on Friday at 7 p.m. The Purple Knights currently lead the ECC with a 2-0 conference mark and an 8-1 record overall and are also receiving votes in the NCAA Division II polls.