Tampa Men’s Basketball Topples Saint Leo in Overtime

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - In an overtime upset, the University of Tampa men's basketball team toppled the No. 21 ranked Saint Leo University 69-65. The Spartans improve to 13-3 on the season with a 1-3 record in Sunshine State Conference matchups while the visiting Lions drop to 11-3 with a 4-1 tally in conference play.

Spartan tandem Da'Markco Foster and Eric Moraes led the offense as the duo tallied 16 and 15 points respectively. Moraes picked up eight rebounds to compliment nine from Anthony Griffis.

Guards Jon Riles and Griffis each reached double-digit points with 12 each. Riles led all players with seven assists and finished with eight rebounds.

Tampa led the first half thanks in part to solid shooting from Foster. The junior shot 4-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 in three-point attempts, ending with 12 points in the 28-26 first half. Griffis and Moraes combined for nine defensive rebounds.

The Lions fought back in the second half of play as Trent Thomas totaled 16 points in the second half to push the game into overtime at 53-53.

The UT squad rode a perfect field goal percentage to the 69-65 victory in overtime as the team sunk a perfect 5-for-5 to end the Lions perfect conference record and get the Spartans back on track.

Tampa continues its home stand Saturday at 4 p.m., as it faces conference foe Nova Southeastern University. The Jan. 19 contest will begin at 4 p.m. inside the newly renovated Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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