UT Drops Close Game With #20 Valdosta State

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team suffered its second consecutive close loss with an 80-79 setback versus #20 Valdosta State University. The Spartans are now 5-3 on the season while the Blazers improve to 10-1.

A three-pointer at the buzzer for Valdosta State's Ryan Nelson was the difference, despite a career day by UT point guard Rashad Callaway.

With the game tied at 77-77 and 11 seconds remaining, Tampa's Anthony LaBruno created a turnover and was then fouled. LaBruno gave the Spartans a 79-77 after making both free throws with seven seconds remaining.

The final possession was an indicator of the previous 40 minutes of play in the evenly matched contest. The game featured a total of 22 lead changes and 13 ties, with neither team leading by more than seven points.

Callaway matched his season and career high with 31 points on 10-18 shooting from the field, including three long-range shots. He also connected on 8-10 free throws. The sophomore from Bayonne, N.J., also led UT with three assists.

Fred Woods and Johnathan Ball each added 16 points while LaBruno chipped in 10 while earning his first start since Nov. 28 versus Palm Beach Atlantic. Ball led Tampa with nine rebounds as Woods added eight.

Both teams shot well, with UT connecting on 54.7 percent of its shots while the Blazers had a 53.7 mark. Tampa won the rebounding battle 31-23 as Tampa had 11 offensive rebounds.

Tampa returns to action on Thursday as it hosts West Florida at 5:30 p.m. 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.