Spartans Open Season With Win in Texas

STEPHENVILLE, Tex. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team (1-0) opened its 2007-2008 campaign with a 77-72 win over Texas A&M - Commerce (0-1) in the first game of the Tipoff Classic hosted by Tarleton State University.

Tampa struggled to open the game, falling behind the Lions 13-7 in the first five minutes of the game. The Spartans climbed back to within one when Chris Evans connected from behind the arc with 6:14 remaining in the first half. Tampa closed out the half by scoring the last two points heading into the break with two free throws by Evans and Jeremy Black.

The Spartans came out of the break with renewed effort, keeping pace with the Lions before tying the game for the first time with a clutch three-pointer by Black with 12:53 to play. Rashad Callaway then gave Tampa its first lead of the game at 53-50, hitting from long range with 12:30 remaining.

Tampa quickly relinquished the lead less than a minute later when Lance Jackson hit from behind the arc to give Commerce the slim 54-53 lead. Evans answered back with a big three-pointer to reclaim the lead for the Spartans at 56-54. The two teams battled until the final whistle, trading the lead back and forth before the Spartans claimed the lead for good after a Evans layup with 4:50 remaining.

Five Spartans finished in double figures to start the season, with Callaway , Black and Evans each tallying 17 points to lead the team. Evans recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 rebounds, and Callaway finished the game with a team-high five assists in his collegiate debut. Johnathan Ball turned in a solid performance to open the season with 16 points, and Chris King added 10 points of his own.

Tampa returns to the floor tomorrow in the finale of the Tarleton State Tipoff Classic against the host Tarleton State University Texans. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm CT.