USF Battles Past Tampa in Exhibition Action

TAMPA, Fla. - In a matchup between a pair of colleges within the city of Tampa limits, the University of South Florida handed The University of Tampa a 79-64 exhibition loss at the USF Sun Dome.

UT kept the game close until USF pulled away late in the second half. With South Florida carrying a 37-31 lead to halftime, the Spartans built some momentum early in the second half.

UT scored the first five points of the second half to trim the USF lead to one point at 37-36. Following a USF basket Tampa's Rashad Callaway sunk a pair of free throws to bring the game to within one.

The Bulls stayed strong, displaying their depth as they went on a 12-3 run beginning at the 16:57 mark of the final half. USF then had another spurt as it went on an 11-0 run in just over a two minute span with just over five minutes remaining.

Rashad Callaway led Tampa with 16 points, four assists and three steals. Junior Fred Woods also scored double figures with 15 in his Spartan debut as he paced the Spartans with nine rebounds.

The Spartans will open the 2008-09 season on Tues., Nov. 18, when it hosts Puerto Rico-Cayey in the season opener. Game time is 7:30 p.m., at the Martinez Center.

UT will offer live stats and a webcast through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also sign up for eScores through the website, a free service that sends text messages on Spartan athletic events.