Jones’ Return Puts Spartans Back in Winning Column

WINTER PARK, Fla. -  The University of Tampa Spartans men's basketball team battled Rollins College in an SSC game Wednesday night.

Final Score: Tampa Spartans  87, Rollins Tars 77

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (14-8) SSC (10-7) , Rollins College Tars (14-12) SSC (9-9)

Location: Harold & Ted Alfond Sports Center || Winter Parks, Florida

All-Time Series: The Spartans are 68-38  in matchups against the Tars. Their last matchup was on Jan 12 with the Spartans taking the victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half: The Spartans' offense got off to a good start knocking down their shots consistently. During the stretch, the Spartans went on a 15-3 run, hitting five straight three-pointers; Bryan Williams knocked down four straight to put the Spartans up seven with 9:30 remaining (24-15). Williams would finish the half with an impressive 18 points. Mykah  Brown, who contributed to the scoring, chipped in 10 points to boost the offense. Tampa kept the lead fairly distant due to the Tars' foul trouble. Martin Lakovic would increase the lead even more by converting a layup and making the foul shot to put it to 13;largest lead in the half. Tampa shot 100% from the free throw line making all 11 attempts.  II Score: 46-33 (Tampa) 

Second Half:  The Spartans didn't let their foot off the gas pedal in the second half. All things clicked for their offense as Max Jones came alive giving the Spartans the push they needed. Jones scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half, in his first game back with the team. Not only did Jones contribute but so did Brown as he continued his stellar performance scoring another 10 points. Brown hit two threes to increase the Spartans lead to 15 twice, once with 14 minutes and another time with 7:33 remaining. The Tars didn't get the lead down till the 5:33 minute mark, but the Spartans continued to pounce on the Tars, grabbing defensive rebounds and making transition plays to the rim to force more opportunities to the free throw line to ensure the lead remained. || Score: 87-77 (Tampa)

INSIDE THE STATS

• Williams; 23 points 7 assists, 5 rebounds
• Jones; 21 points, 5-11FG
• Brown; 20 points, 4 three pointers

BEYOND THE BOX

• Williams; seventh consecutive double-digit game
• Jones' first game back with the Spartans since Jan. 22
• Spartans end 3-game losing streak

UP NEXT: Tampa will face Florida Tech on Saturday Feb 19th at 4 pm iat home.

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