UT Suffers Setback Against Eagles

TAMPA, Fla. -  The Tampa Spartans men's basketball team was defeated by the Embry-Riddle Eagles at their home Saturday.

Final: Embry-Riddle Eagles 89, Tampa Spartans  82

Records:  Embry-Riddle (18-5) SSC (11-3) , Tampa Spartans (13-6) SSC (9-5)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center || Tampa, Florida

All-Time Series: The Spartans have an 8-6 lead in matchups against the Embry-Riddle Eagles.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half:  The Eagles pounced on the Spartans early setting the tone for the rest of the half. The Eagles went on a quick 10-2 run within the five minutes of the game. The Spartans however, showed promise with efforts to come back into the game multiple times. Tying up the game at 10-10 with 11:54 remaining. The score was actually tied six times in this half due to Jonathan Bryant II and honorable mentions, Bryan Williams and De'Andre Harvey. Their performance helped the Spartans stay in the game and not let the lead get into double-digits. Therefore, the Spartans trailed by three entering halftime. II Score: 36-33 (Embry-Riddle)

Second Half:  Again, the Eagles set the pace early in the half. The Spartans continued to fight, but for every basket a Spartan would score, Embry would respond immediately. The lead began to stretch away from the Spartans. Entering double-digits for the first time tonight around the 11:27 minute mark. (7:37')The lead would further extend to 16 with excellent performances by the Eagles starters. But the Spartans, mentally were still in the game. Spartans' Harvey stepped up tremendously off the bench. Filling in the void for the Spartans. Harvey scored an outstanding 19 points in the half alone. Along with this Martin Lakovic began to find his touch, scoring 12 of his 14 points on the night in the second half. Foul trouble hindered the Spartans chances of coming back in the game because Embry shot 86% from the free-throw line as a whole. And although Harvey's clutch three, brought the lead down to four, time was not on the Spartans side.  || Score: 77-66 (Embry-Riddle)

INSIDE THE STATS

• Eagles; Jenkins 26 points, 63% three-point shooting
• Harvey: 25 points, 10-13 FG, 2-3 3FG
• Spartans bench outscored the Eagles bench 43-10

BEYOND THE BOX

• Harvey; first 20 point-game of the season
• Spartans now have a three-game losing streak against Embry-Riddle
• Max Jones is still out with an injury

UP NEXT: Tampa will face Florida Southern on Wednesday at 7:30 pm in Lakeland, Florida.

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