Benedict Uses Stretch Run to Top Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team suffered a 66-61 loss to visiting Benedict (S.C.) College, dropping its first home game of the 2008-09 season. The Spartans drop to 5-2 while the Tigers improve to 4-1.

It was a back-and-forth game since the beginning as there were six ties and 12 lead changes. With Benedict holding a 30-23 lead with 4:22 remaining in the first half, the Spartans went on a 14-4 run to take a 37-34 lead to the half.

Tampa quickly took a 10-point second half lead as it scored the first seven points of the half. Benedict evened the score up as it went on a 14-4 run over a nine minute span. The game remained close until Benedict scored 10 of the final 12 points over the final 3:15 to turn a two-point Spartan lead into a five point victory.

Johnathan Ball led Tampa with a team-high 14 points. A total of five Spartans scored in double figures as Rashad Callaway had 12 while Fred Woods, Matt Tomaszewski and Anthony LaBruno each added 11. Woods also led UT with 14 rebounds.

Tampa returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to Valdosta, Ga., for a 7:30 p.m., meeting with Valdosta State University. UT then returns home to host West Florida at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday. UT will offer live stats and a webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores through the website, a free service that sends text messages on Spartan athletic events.