Spartans Win Big to Improve to 3-1
St. Petersburg, Fla. -
The University of Tampa Spartans enjoyed their time at the Eckerd
Classic, going 2-0 at the weekendtournament, including a victory
over Puerto Rico Bayamon. The win is Tampa's second straight and
improves the team to 3-1 on the season, and brings Bayamon to
0-3.
The Spartans were able to carry over the momentum from last
night's victory into today's game against Bayamon. They started
the game on an 11-2 run, and forced Puerto Rico's coach to call a
timeout after a Johnathan Ball steal and fastbreak layup.
Tampa's hot shooting continued after the timeout and throughout the
first half. They were able to stretch their lead to 30-7
following a 19-2 run. Bayamon was able to cut into the lead some,
but the Spartans were still able to finish the half up by
ten, with a score of 53-43.
The Spartans came out just as hot in the second half as they did in
the first half, running off a 12-2 start, including,
three straight baskets from freshman point guard, Rashad Callaway.
Just like the first half, Bayamon did all they could to
climb back into the game, but the Spartans were able to finish off
their second consecutive victory, with a score of 88-79.
Seniors, Chris Evans and Jeremy Black, were the beneficiaries of a
huge size advantage, and were able to lead Tampa in
scoring with 25 a piece.
Ball enjoyed another stellar night, dropping 17 points, while also
leading the team in assists and blocks with five dishes
and 3 rejections. Callaway was the fourth Spartan in double figures
with 12 points. The duo of Evans and Black also led the Spartans in
rebounds with 13 and 10 respectively.
Tampa will look to extend their win streak when they travel to West
Palm to square off against the Sailfish of Palm Beach
Atlantic, on Saturday. The game is scheduled to start at 7 pm.