#22 Florida Southern Concludes Season Sweep Of Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans suffered a 77-70 setback at the hands of rival No. 22 Florida Southern College at the Martinez Center Wednesday night. The loss moved UT to 14-11 overall and 7-8 in the Sunshine State Conference while the conference-leading Mocs improved to 24-6 and 13-3.

Tampa carried the momentum early in the first half, leading by as many as eight points. Florida Southern took the lead with 5:12 remaining until halftime and went to intermission with a 30-29 lead after trading baskets on numerous occasions.

The Moccasins came out strong in the second half, going on a 7-0 run to start the half. The Mocs extended their lead to 12 points with 12:01 remaining in the game. Though they never regained the lead, the Spartans fought back to within two points with just over five minutes remaining before Florida Southern closed the door on the UT rally.

Rashad Callaway had another career effort with as his heroics kept the Spartans in the game. The sophomore from Bayonne, N.J., connected on four 3-pointers in the final 5:46 for Tampa. He finished with 27 points, including five 3-pointers. He also led the team with three assists and one steal.

Anthony LaBruno added 12 points for UT while Johnathan Ball had 11. On senior day, Arnaldo Abreu led the Spartans with nine rebounds as the Florida Southern transfer was a force in the paint for Tampa.

Rob Eldridge led Florida Southern with 19 points as he was one of five Mocs in double figures.

Tampa concludes the SSC regular season schedule on the road Saturday with a 7:30 p.m. contest at Lynn. Fans may also sign up for eScores, a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of Spartan athletic events. Please visit the official athletics website to sign up.