Spartans Learn Not to Mess With Fire

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - After showing glimpses of a comeback, the University of Tampa Spartans (0-1) fell to the Southeastern University Fire (5-1) Monday night at the Bob Martinez Center by a score of 66-45.

Southeastern got off to a good start, scoring the first 15 points of the game. With just over 14 minutes left to go in the first half, senior Ashton Graham got his squad going with back to back 3-pointers.

Unfortunately Tampa's 12 turnovers led to 17 points for Southeastern, and the Spartans finished the half with only 19 points. Freshman Jon Riles led the squad with 11 points entering the second half.

Senior Osby Kelly scored the first two points of the second half for the Spartans. But, with more turnovers, the Fire were able to run away with a large lead. Graham and Riles both finished the game with double figure scoring shooting 14 and 10 points respectively. Sophomore Stefon Barfield had three blocks and seven rebounds.

Southeastern came ready to play for the second half, scoring over 20 points in the paint and running away with 14 fast break points. The Fire held the Spartans to under 40 percent from the field and out rebounded them 26-14.

Dyami Thurman led the Fire with 13 points and three assists, while Povilas Gaidys chipped in nine points to help round out the final score in favor of the Fire, 66-45.

The Spartans will hit the hardwood Wednesday at Palm Beach Atlantic to play the Sailfish at 7:30 p.m. The Spartans are 13-0 against the West Palm Beach squad.

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