Spartans Fall to Defending Champs Florida Southern in SSC Championship Final

Box score

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (20-9) men's basketball team hit the hardwood against No. 16 Florida Southern (26-4) in the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Championship Final Sunday afternoon. In a hard fought battle, the Spartans fell 84-74.

Number one tournament seed Florida Southern got off to what seemed an unstoppable 11-0 start. The Spartans were unable to combat the Mocs' 51 percent shooting from the field, along with a 23-point first half performance by Kevin Capers.

Tampa was down by as many as 20 points in the first stint, but managed to snag six second chance points. Da'Markco Foster led the Spartans with 12 points heading to the locker room.

Eric Moraes kicked off the second half with a dunk, which heightened the team's energy. Tampa managed to get into the paint, much like yesterday's game, to connect on several much needed baskets. The Spartans relentlessly chipped away at the Mocs' lead, and with just under nine minutes remaining, cut the deficit to five.

Although Tampa had some ideal outside shot opportunities, their fight wasn't enough for the defending SSC champs. Four Spartans scored in double-figures; Foster led the way with 28 points, while Vincent Cornu added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Davis and Eric Moraes recorded 14 points and 12 points respectively.

Davis and Cornu were named to the 2014 SSC All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the contest.

Tampa hopes to participate in the NCAA regional tournament, as they sit at number eight in the south.