Tampa Builds On Record Start With Conference Schedule Set To Resume

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (11-0) men's basketball team rolled past Fontbonne University (2-8) with an 88-45 victory over the Griffins on Thursday at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

At 11-0, the Spartans match the same start as the 2000-01 UT squad as it won its first 11 contests for the fourth time in school history. The others came in 1991-92 (14-0) and 1989-90 (11-0).

UT had no problems with the Griffins as it grabbed a 14-4 lead with just over 13-minutes to playing the first half. Tampa took a 46-19 lead to the half and led by as many as 43 points in the game.

Anthony Griffis led Tampa with 15 points as the junior also grabbed eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

Fred Woods returned to action for the Spartans for the first time since the 2008-09 season and came off the bench to score 13 points. The senior from Milwaukee, Wis., also grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds while recording three assists.

A total of 12 Spartans scored in the game as leading scorer and preseason All-American Rashad Callaway led the team with three assists and three steals after arriving just before tip-off from a delayed flight that was pushed back due to inclement weather in the northeast.

The Spartans displayed their athleticism as it outscored the Griffins 20-2 on fastbreak points. Tampa also held a 24-6 advantage on points off turnovers as it forced 24 turnovers while only committing eight.

Tampa resumes its Sunshine State Conference schedule on Sunday as it hosts the league's defending champions in Rollins College at 4 p.m. The Tars will enter the game with a 9-2 record. Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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