Strong Second Half Helps #17 UT Stretch Win Streak to Six
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - After gaining its first top-25 mention since 2002, The University of Tampa men's basketball team defended its ranking with a 74-66 victory over Nova Southeastern University. The sixth straight win moves the Spartans to 15-4 overall and 8-2 in Sunshine State Conference play. The Sharks drop to 9-11 and 4-6 in conference play.
The Sharks carried a slim 32-31 lead into the half before UT proceeded to outscore Nova Southeastern by a score of 43-34 in the second half.
After holding a seven point lead with 12:24 remaining, Tampa allowed Nova Southeastern to sneak back into the game as the Sharks took a brief 52-51 lead with 8:41 to go. The Spartans responded with a 5-0 run, which gave Tampa the lead to stay.
Leading 69-66 with 2:46 remaining in regulation, Tampa scored five unanswered points over the final 1:58 to take the crucial SSC road victory.
Johnathan Ball led a group of six Spartans to score in double figures as he netted a team high 17 points. Jeremy Black and Chris King added 16 apiece while Rashad Callaway had 10. Black also led UT with 13 rebounds while Callaway had a team high six assists. King and Chris Evans each had three steals to lead Tampa.
Scott Mascio scored six points off the bench, connecting on a pair of three pointers. The Spartans, who forced 23 turnovers compared to 10 for UT, outscored the Sharks 22-8 on points off turnovers.
Tampa returns home to face Florida Tech, where it hopes to salvage a regular season split with the Panthers after falling in Melbourne. Game time is 4 p.m., at the Martinez Center.