Spartans Fall To Barry In a Tough SSC Matchup

Box score

Miami Shores, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team lost a close one to the Barry University Buccaneers 60-55. In a close game all the way, Barry pulled away from the Spartans in the last minute to secure the Sunshine State Conference victory.

The trio of Matt Pezzullo, Jeremy Black and Jeff James kept the Spartans in it for most of the game but the Spartans couldn't overcome poor free throw shooting. Pezzullo led the way for the Spartans with 13 points. James added 12, and Black contributed 10, but the Spartans only managed to connect on 13 of 23 free throws.

Felipe Barrios led Barry and all scorers with 18 points including three of four from three point range.

Chris Evans came off the bench for the Spartans to lead the team with 10 rebounds and nine points.

With the loss the Spartans fall to 8-6 overall and 1-2 in the Sunshine State Conference. Barry improves to 10-2 overall and, for the first time ever, 2-0 in the conference. The Spartans are back in action Saturday when the take on Palm Beach Atlantic at the Bob Martinez sports Center.