Men's Basketball Edged by No. 20 STAC, 90-81

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Playing against the top team currently in the East region, the University of Bridgeport's men's basketball team was defeated by 20^th-ranked Saint Thomas Aquinas College on Wednesday night, 90-81.

Quick Synopsis
Down by as many as 18 in the first half, and 11 at the break, the Purple Knights scratched and clawed their way back into the game.

UB cut the STAC edge to just one basket on five separate occasions in the second half but were unable to secure a tie or a lead. The final spurt for the Purple Knights had them down 72-69 with 5:48 remaining.

The Purple Knights shot 17-of-33 (51.5%) in the second half, including 5-for-14 from long range.

Inside the Numbers
Sam DeSouza once again put together monster numbers for UB. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds to mark his fifth double-double of the season.

Over his last four games, DeSouza is averaging 18.5 points and 9.75 rebounds.

Senior Tim Dawson was also sensational for the Purple and White. The guard poured in a season-high 22 points (for the second straight game) on a crisp 8-of-11 shooting.

Dawson also dished out a season-best seven assists to go along with four rebounds and a steal.

Speaking of seven assists, junior Nick Traill matched that number and now has 18 assists over his last two games. He also finished tonight with 16 points and three steals.

D'Andre Collins served as UB's final double-digit scorer with 12 points.

The Purple Knights finished 11-of-19 from the free-throw line while STAC posted a 21-for-25 effort.

Bridgeport also totaled 10 steals to signify their 11th double-digit performance of the season.

UP NEXT
The Purple Knights will host Georgian Court on Saturday for Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.