The Spartans Tread Passed Tritons In Tight Matchup

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans came out on top in a close matchup against the Eckerd College Tritons. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa Spartans 70, Eckerd Tritons 66 

Records: Tampa (4-4, 1-1 SSC), Eckerd (6-2, 1-1 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa leads the series by 6-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st HALF

The Spartans captured an early lead, scoring seven straight points off of two jump shots made by Tyson Leitao and a three-pointer from Jesse White. After missing six different opportunities, the Tritons were able to get on the scoreboard with a free throw made by Carr Thiam after drawing a foul from Harp Hunter. The Spartans would continue to extend their lead to 19-5 after going on a nine point run that included a Leitao three-pointer and a Hunter jump shot. The Tritons struggled to find open spots on the court as they were only able to string together a few points, including two layups, to only trail by 11-23. After Leitao made a Bryan Williams-assisted layup, Eckerd called for a 20 second timeout. This sparked some energy into Triton players, Brandon Garcia and Thiam, who helped the Tritons close in on Tampa's lead by 23-30. With three minutes left on the clock, the Spartans would use a 30 second timeout. After some back and forth action between the two teams, it would be Leitao who would widen Tampa's lead off a free throw before going into the second half. | Score: 34-26 Tampa

2nd HALF

The first two minutes saw a lot of back and forth action as both teams capitalized on scoring opportunities. Trailing 34-40, Kent Garard started to become a key player for the Tritons as he went on a five point run. Eckerd would capture the lead for the first time in the match off a jump shot made from Trey Johnson to put the Tritons on top at 41-40. This prompted a team timeout called by Tampa to recompose the Spartans. The lead would alternate between the two teams until a Leitao free throw and two Hunter three-pointers would give the Spartans the lead at 54-47. After an Eckerd 30 second timeout, the Tritons would go on an eight point run to recapture the lead at 55-54. This would not deter the Spartans as they would fight back with grit and confidence; with the help from four different Spartans in the last minute, Tampa went on to secure the lead and win the match. | Score: 70-66 Tampa  

INSIDE THE STATS

• Leitao led Tampa in scoring with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
• Jaxon Toney contributed 11 points and 9 rebounds. 

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 36.1% from the field, including 44% behind the arc.
• Tampa outscored Eckerd 34-26.
• Tampa committed six more turnovers than Eckerd, but were able to score 20 points off of opponent's turnovers. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa Spartans will take on the Saint Leo Lions at the Bob on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 4:00 P.M.