Johnathan Ball Leads Tampa Over Hawaii Pacific

LAIE, Hawaii - The University of Tampa men's basketball team rebounded after Sunday's loss to BYU-Hawaii by defeating Hawaii Pacific by a score of 69-56 to conclude the Hoop N' Surf Classic. The Spartans improve to 5-2 on the season as the Sea Warriors fall to 3-4.

The Spartans opened the game on a 14-0 run looking for a blowout, but the Sea Warriors managed to stay in the game while chipping away at the lead. The Spartans would not relinquish the lead as it went into halftime with a 26-19 advantage.

The Spartans where led by Johnathan Ball, who scored 17 of his game-high 19 points in the second-half. Jeremy Black and Chris Evans added 15 and 14 respectively. Rashad Callaway and Black where the rebound leaders with eight apiece. Evans also had a season-high five blocks while Black had a season high as well and also added five steals.

The Sea Warriors where led by Rishi Kakad with 12 points, followed by Justonn Smith with 11.

The Spartans will take a short Christmas break before returning to play on Thursday, December 27, in its home opener against McMaster College (Ontario) at 7:30 p.m.