Spartans Sink Tars

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans defeated the visiting Rollins College Tars by a final score of 73-63. The Spartans struck first, as they never trailed in the ball game. The victory now gives Tampa a six game winning streak.

The victory moves Tampa to 17-8, and 9-5 in the SSC, while Rollins falls to 9-17, and 2-12 in conference play. The Spartans have now defeated the Tars in five consecutive times.

The Spartans shot 50% from the field, as they were able to connect on 24 of 48 shots from the field, while the Tars shot 42% from the field, as they connected on 24 of 57 shots. The key factor in the game was the ability of UT getting to the line. The Spartans attempted 23 free throws, while making 15 from the charity stripe. Rollins only made nine visits to the line, while making six free throws.

With 4:31 left on the clock, the Rollins pulled within three points, after Jeff Dirkin dunk. After that basket, the Spartans outscored the Tars 14-7 to seal the victory.

Freshman Marcel Robinson led the way for Tampa, as he put up a career high 23 points. Robinson shot six of nine from beyond the arc, and added five free throws. He was also a factor on the defensive side, as he recorded four rebounds and two blocks.

Senior Eugene McCrory added his ninth double-double on the year as he put up 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan Davis also added a double-double as he recored 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Davis was also two points away from a triple-double, as he added eight points for UT.

Austin Rettig added 12 points, and Matt Johnson contributed with seven assists.

Tampa will be back in action on Wednesday, as they travel to Lakeland to take on the number one team in the nation, the Florida Southern Mocs. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans), Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans), YouTube (youtube.com/utathletics) and Instragram (tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.