Buzzer Beater Costs Spartans SSC Crown

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa was unable to pull off a victory as a last second shot in overtime by the Mocs of Florida Southern was enough to cost the Spartans a SSC tournament championship. This is the seventh second place finish for Tampa in the SSC tournament and the loss drops the Spartans to 20-8. The put back at the buzzer by Florida Southern junior Zach Smith was enough to record an 83-81 victory and notch the 18^th SSC tournament championship for the Mocs, as they also improve to 24-8.

Early foul trouble for seniors Chris Evans and Chris King in the first half hurt the Spartans as they went into halftime trailing by five.

Florida Southern came out of the gate quickly as they were able to stretch their lead to 14 with 12 minutes remaining in the game. Jeremy Black and Rashad Callaway led a charge to bring the Spartans back and eventually bring the game into overtime.

The overtime period was back and forth the whole time. Down by three with only 14 seconds left, Callaway drove the length of the floor and hit the game tying three pointer to tie the game at 81. Florida Southern was able to beat the Spartans down the floor, and after rebounding a miss shot, Smith was able to hit a layup as the buzzer sounded to give Florida Southern the championship.

Callaway led the Spartans in points, assists, and steals with 27, six and three. Black was able to notch another double-double as he led the Spartans in rebounding with 17, to go along with his 26 points. Evans led Tampa with four blocks.

The Spartans now hope to receive a South Regional at large bid. If granted they will play next weekend in a site to be determined Sunday night.