Spartans Even Series With Win Over Panthers

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team (14-6, 7-4 SSC) defeated the Florida Tech Panthers (14-8, 4-7 SSC) with a 72-64 triumph Saturday afternoon at the Bob Martinez Athletic Center.

Shooting 60 percent from the field, the Spartans traded buckets with the Panthers battling for the lead in the first half. Da'Markco Foster scored 13 points in the first half.

Forward Eric Moraes scored 12 points, contributing two dunks and still managing to lead the team with six rebounds in the first half, while Jordan Davis had five. Jason Brown assisted the Spartans with five blocks.

The Spartans, up 33-29 in the second half, began to trail the Panthers midway through until Foster made a 4-point play with the Spartans leading the Panthers 57-56 with 1:43 left on the clock. Foster tied the game at 60 with 3.6 seconds left, forcing overtime.

UT managed to bring about the win, 72-64, with a convincing overtime period. Moraes posted a double-double with 15 rebounds and 21 points scored. Foster ended the game with 22 points as Davis scored 13 points with 8 assists.

Tampa will travel to Saint Leo to play against the Lions on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The Spartans defeated the Lions earlier this year, 59-57.

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