Spartans fell in Offensive Shootout at Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans fell in an offensive shootout against Florida Southern.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score:  Florida Southern Mocs 109, Tampa Spartans 83

Records: Tampa (3-4, 0-1 SSC), Florida Southern (5-3, 0-1 SSC) 

Location: George W. Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla. 

All-Time Series: Tampa struggles against Florida Southern with a 43-80 record.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st HALF 

After the Mocs made a basket on the game's opening possession, the Spartans would respond with six straight points to take a 6-2 lead. Florida Southern would answer back, making three of their next four shots from the floor to take an 11-10 lead. Tyson Leitao tied things up by making two free throws after a hard drive to the basket. Florida Southern would eventually control the lead; however, Tampa would keep it in striking distance for the next eight minutes, with the Moc's biggest lead being just seven. Tampa's Cole Gingeleski would make a layup to cut the lead to four right before the under-four media timeout. Despite keeping the score close twenty si, the Mocs would go on a run to end the half. | Score: 60-43 Florida Southern

2nd HALF

Harp Hunter would do everything he could to keep the Mocs' lead where it was by knocking down a corner three to keep the lead at seventeen. However, the Mocs would continue their hot shooting, end the game shooting 58% from the floor, and take a twenty-six-point lead with fifteen minutes left. Leitao would try his best to single-handedly bring the Spartans back into the game after making a layup to cut the score to seventeen with twelve minutes left. However, the deficit was too big to overcome. | Score: 109-83 Florida Southern

INSIDE THE STATS

• Leitao lead the Spartans with 19 points, 9 Rebounds, and 2 assists.
• Trae Martin scored 16 points off the bench.
• Tampa shot only 56% from the line.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa had five Spartans score in double figures.
• Tampa shot 43.7% from the field, including 28% behind the arch.
• Tampa had three fewer turnovers than the Mocs.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will host four straight opponents to start December. Eckerd comes into town for Tampa's first SSC matchup at the Bob on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 5:00 P.M.