Spartans Sink Edward Waters To Open Eckerd Classic

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The University of Tampa (2-1) men's basketball team scored over 100 points for the first time in over a year (11/18/08 vs. Puerto Rico-Cayey) with a 106-81 victory over Edward Waters College (5-4) at the Eckerd Classic.

Senior Mounir Benzegala set the tone as he nailed a 3-pointer to open the scoring. It took UT less than seven minutes to stretch its lead to double figures as it led 18-8 at the 13:49 mark. With a 44-32 lead and 4:49 to play until half, the Spartans closed out the half with a 17-3 run to carry a 61-35 advantage to intermission.

UT led by 20-plus points for the entire second half as head coach Richard Schmidt played all 15 players who dressed. The Spartans also played without starter Anthony LaBruno, who was sidelined with an injury.

A total of 12 Spartans scored in double figures as Rashad Callaway led all scorers with 28 points. The point guard also turned in a team-high nine assists with a steal. Callaway was 9-15 from the field with three long-range shots while also making 7-8 free throws.

Tampa had five players who scored in double figures as Glyn Hunter (18), Callum Townsend (13), Mounir Benzegala (11) and Jerrel Harris (11) joined Callaway. Harris provided relief off the bench as the freshman forward also grabbed four rebounds. Townsend, also a freshman, had his first double figure scoring effort while making three from beyond the arc.

Hunter was UT's leading rebounder with six, including a team-high three offensive boards. As a team, Tampa outrebounded EWC by a 41-37 mark. The Spartans also turned in a 54.7 field goal percentage while holding its opponent to 44.9.

UT returns to action at the Eckerd Classic on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. versus Puerto Rico-Bayamon.

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