Spartans Fall to Saint Leo in SSC Battle

Saint Leo, Fla - The thirteenth-ranked University of Tampa Spartans (16-5, 9-3) was unable to extend its win streak to nine games when they suffered an 83-79 loss at the hands of the Lions of Saint Leo (11-11, 4-7).

The first 10 minutes of the game saw the score go back and forth between the teams, until the Lions were able to stretch the lead to six, on Quentin Cullop's three pointer at the 10:26 mark. The Lions were eventually able to stretch their lead to 13, but the Spartans were able to climb back into the game via a 12-0 run to end the half, with all the points coming from seniors Jeremy Black and Chris King. Tampa went into halftime trailing by only one, 33-32.

The second half saw the same beginning as the first half, with Saint Leo coming out early and stretching its lead to seven within the first five minutes. However, by the time the media timeout came at the 9:42 mark, the Spartans were able to come back and take the 57-56 lead. The rest of the half was an up and down battle with no team getting a lead larger than three points up until the last two minutes of play.

Saint Leo's Jordan Prais was able to complete a three point play, which put the Lions up by four with a minute and thirty seconds to play. Freshman Rashad Callaway was able to answer right back with a three pointer to cut the deficit back down to one with 1:17 left to play.

The Spartans were able to force consecutive turnovers on the Lions next two possessions and Callaway was able to tie the game up at 78 with a foul shot with less than a minute to play. Kyle Rowland then gave the Lions the lead for good when he nailed both of his foul shots at the 30 second mark.

Four Spartans were able to record double digit points, with Black leading Tampa with 20 points. King continued his hot shooting, dropping a solid 18 points of his own. Jonathan Ball added 14 and Chris Evans added 16 to go along with this team leading 12 rebounds three steals and four blocked shots. Black also added 10 boards of his own . Callaway was able to lead Tampa with four assists.

Tampa looks to get back on track Saturday when they travel to the shores of Miami to face the Barry University Buccaneers.