Spartans Advance in NCAA Tourney Play

LAKELAND, Fla. - Jeremy Black scored a game-high 29 points to lead four players in double figures as Tampa downed Harding, 86-77, in the NCAA Division II South Regional Men's Basketball Tournament played Saturday at Jenkins Field House.

Tampa (21-8) advanaces to play Benedict on Sunday at 5 p.m. Harding finishes its season at 18-13.

In addition to Black, Jonathan Ball added 19 and Chris King netted 17 while Rashad Callaway chipped in 15. Black also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for the Spartans.

Harding got 27 points from Matt Hall while Trent Morgan contributed 19 points.

Tampa stared slow as Harding pulled out to a 13-9 lead on a Kevin Brown layup at the 14:07 mark. The Spartans then went on a 12-0 run behind five points by Black and then went ahead 26-15 at the 8:46 mark finally leading 40-35 at the half.

Harding started the second half on a 13-7 run to take a 49-48 lead at the 14:16 mark. Tampa held off the Bison the rest of the way, taking back the lead for good on a pair of free throws by Black with 13:33 left.