Callaway’s Three As Time Runs Out Secures Tampa’s First Victory

TAMPA, Fla. - Rashad Callaway nailed a three-pointer as time expired and The University of Tampa Spartans men's basketball team won its first game of the season with a 71-68 decision over visiting St. Thomas. UT evens its record at 1-1 while St. Thomas falls to 1-2.

The first stanza was back and forth, featuring five ties and three lead changes, but the Spartans went on an 8-3 run in the half's final two minutes to take a 42-36 advantage into the locker room at the break.

UT then controlled play throughout the second period, leading until the 1:26 mark when an Antonio Jones three-point basket tied the game at 68. A pair of offensive rebounds by Callaway and Marcus Morrison on Tampa's ensuing possession allowed the Spartans to hang onto the ball for the successful last-second shot.

Callaway - a preseason All-American - scored 25 points to lead the Spartans while junior Glyn Hunter chipped in 17 as the pair ended the contest as the only two UT players to score in double figures. Callaway also added nine assists, and Morrison pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Antonio Jones led all scorers in the contest as he scored 29 points for the visitors.

Tampa will now travel to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Friday to take on Edward Waters in the Eckerd Classic.

UT will offer live stats through www.tampaspartans.com, accessible by clicking on the Multimedia link. Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers eScores - a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events.