Spartans Hold On For Big Win Over #12 Augusta State

TAMPA, Fla. - After losing a 16 point halftime lead, The University of Tampa men's basketball team regained control to hand 12th-ranked Augusta State University a n 89-75 loss. The first victory of the season over a ranked team moves UT to 7-2 on the year while Augusta state drops to 6-3.

It took the Spartans just 10 minutes to take a double figure lead as Tampa took a 39-23 lead to the half. Jeremy Black gave Tampa a boost in the first half with 18 points and nine rebounds.

With a 16 point lead in hand, the Spartans allowed Augusta State to get back into the game as the lead was completely erased by the 10 minute mark of the second half. The Jaguars took their first lead since the opening possession at 7:42 as they led 63-62.

After a series of lead changes, Tampa regained control at the 5:19 mark of the second half. With a 72-71 lead with 4:13 to go, UT went on a 7-0 run to seal the upset of the nation's 12th-ranked team.

Black finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, both team highs. Johnathan Ball added 15 of his 18 points in the second half while Chris King had 17 and Chris Evans added 12.

Rashad Callaway tallied six assists while King had five. Callaway and Black each led UT with three steals apiece.

The Spartans return to action in their Sunshine State Conference opener at Rollins on Wednesday, January 2. The meeting with the defending SSC champions begins at 7:30 p.m., in Winter Park.