Last Second Shot Sinks Spartans

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa fell Wednesday night in the Bob Martinez to long-time rival Florida Southern. The Mocs connected on a jumper with 1.8 seconds left to play, to secure the 73-72 victory. Tampa now falls to 9-15 on the season and 4-9 in Sunshine State Conference play. Florida Southern improves to 10-15 overall and 5-9 in conference play.

Four Spartans scored in double figures, with Pat Bacon leading the charge with 20 points. Matt Johnson and Duke Shelton each contributed with 13 points and Austin Rettig contributed with 11 points. Shelton also led the team, as he pulled down eight rebounds.

FSC controlled the pace of play in the first half, as they took a 46-37 lead into the half. The Mocs were shooting lights out in the half as they converted on 60.7 percent (17-28) from the field and 60 percent (6-10) from beyond the arc. Shelton and Bacon led the charge for UT in the first half as they scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Spartans would battle back in the second half as they would retake the lead 57-55 on a bacon layup with 10:23 left in the game. The two teams would continue to trade baskets the rest of the game, as neither team would lead by more than four.

With 14 seconds left in the game, the Mocs recorded a steal and called a timeout to set up their final shot. Jarel Spellman would connect on a jumper with 1.8 seconds left to give Florida Southern the win. The final attempt from Tampa fell just off the mark.

Tampa will be back in action on Saturday as they take on the Barry Buccaneers.

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