Tampa scores 81 in Start-to-Finish Victory over Florida Tech

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team wins their second straight game behind double-digit scoring from five different players and tenacious team defense.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 81, Florida Tech 63

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (11-12, 5-10 SSC), Florida Tech Panthers (8-14, 2-12 SSC)

Location: Martinez Athletics Center || Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa owns the series 54-26 and the Spartans are on a two-game win streak. UT is 34-8 against Tech at the Martinez Athletics Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | Tampa jumped out to a quick 15-2 lead in the first five minutes of play. Cedric Belemene scored nine points during the run and Downer made the other six. Alberto Moreno was a key player off the bench scoring in double-figures with 10 points, leading the team. Devon Colley stuffed the stat sheet in the half with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Spartans forced the Panthers to commit 11 turnovers in the half which led to 13 points. UT shot 40% in the half (12-30). Florida Tech made a comeback at the end of the half with a 14-2 run to bring the game within 5 at 2:27 remaining. Derek Murphy led Tech with 10 points in the half (3-12 fg, 2-2 ft). Tampa took a 7 point lead into the half leading 41 to 34.

2nd Half | Marco Downer recorded his fifth block of the evening at 17:07 in the half leading to a 10-1 run, and a 54-37 Spartans lead. UT tied their largest lead of the game up 16 with 6:47 remaining. Tampa then dominated down low and Belemene's lay-up with 4:05 left gave the Spartans a 17 point lead (73-56). Derek Murphy led the Panthers with 19 points but struggled from the field shooting just 26% (6-23). Tampa held Florida Tech to just 30% shooting (20-67) in the contest. Brent Duncan also scored in double-digits for the second time this season with 11 points in 11 minutes. He was a perfect 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from the free throw line. Tampa wins 81-63.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Devon Colley, 13 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Earns a season-high in rebounds and ties his season high in assists.

• Marco Downer, had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

• Anthony Gamble, scores in double-figures for the third-straight game with 13 points.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Marco Downer, currently first in the SSC and seventh in the nation at 2.53 blocks per game is one of the most feared rim-protectors in the country.

• Spartans bring their home record to 6-6. With a win on the road Wednesday the team will be .500 overall, home, on the road, and neutral.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will try to secure another victory away on Wednesday, February 13 as they are set to face Rollins College at 7:30.

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