Panthers End Spartans Winning Streak

Box score

MELBOURNE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (9-4, 2-2 SSC) men's basketball team fell 71-66 to Florida Tech (12-3, 2-2 SSC) Saturday evening.

After leading for the first 15 minutes of the game, the Spartans were challenged by a very athletic Panther team. Tampa was held to 29 percent shooting from the field and 20 percent from three-point range.

Da'Markco Foster led his team at the half with 12 points.

The Panthers pulled away by as many as 12 points in the second half. The Spartans hustled and forced 11 opponent turnovers for several second chance opportunities to get within three points with five seconds remaining. Though Tampa was strategically fixed on forcing overtime, the Panthers made their free throws when it counted. Amidst the battle the Spartans' bench outscored the Panthers' bench by 11.

Foster finished the game with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Matt Johnson added 13 points.

The Spartans will take on Eckerd Wednesday evening. Tampa leads the all-time series 47-29. Eckerd defeated the Spartans 71-65 in overtime the last time the teams met.

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