Delta State Fights Off Spartan Rally With Buzzer Beating Dunk

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team nearly overcame a 15 point deficit against Delta State University, who needed a dunk at the buzzer to top the Spartans in the Martinez Center. UT falls to 6-3 following the 58-56 loss as DSU improves to 8-3 with wins over Eckerd and Tampa at the UT Classic.

After leading 29-27 at halftime, the Statesmen needed just over five minutes in the second half to stretch its advantage to 42-32 with 14:32 to play. Delta State held a 15 point margin with 7:45 remaining and carried a double figure lead until the 5:03 mark, when Tampa trimmed the lead to 52-44.

The Spartans continued to claw away at the DSU lead, cutting a six-point score to three on a trio of Rashad Callaway free throws with 54 seconds to play after drawing a foul. After a defensive stop, a missed 3-pointer by Callaway found its way to freshman Callum Townsend for a game-tying long-range shot with eight seconds to play.

Following a timeout, the ensuing Delta State possession included a missed jumper by Chad Akins, which resulted in a game-winning rebound and dunk by teammate Marqueys Brown to beat the buzzer.

Callaway led Tampa with a team high 16 points, connecting on 13-16 from the free throw line. The junior point guard from Bayonne, N.J., also led all Spartans with three assists and seven rebounds.

Townsend joined Callaway in double figures as the Riverview native had 10, including the game's biggest 3-pointer.

Tampa returns to the court on Sat., Jan. 2 as it resumes Sunshine State Conference play at home against Nova Southeastern. The game is slated for 4 p.m.

UT will offer live stats and a webcast 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.