Callaway Leads Spartans Past Saint Leo

TAMPA, Fla. - A 27-point effort by Rashad Callaway paved the way for a 64-59 University of Tampa victory over Saint Leo University in men's basketball action from the Martinez Center. UT improves to 8-3 overall and 3-0 in Sunshine State Conference play as the Lions drop to 5-10 and 0-3 in league action.

The Spartans trailed just twice in the first half and led by as many as 12 points before taking a 31-28 lead to the half. UT was forced to play without its second-leading scorer, Mounir Benzegala, following an injury with 12:19 remaining in the first half.

After surrendering its lead early in the second half, Tampa regained momentum with a 17-2 run to take a 48-34 lead with 10:29 to play. Saint Leo battled back, coming within five with just over a minute to play before a pair of Callaway free throws sealed the victory for UT.

Callaway scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half and connected on 3-5 from 3-point range. The junior guard from Bayonne, N.J., also led the Spartans with five assists and 10 rebounds.

Freshman Callum Townsend added 12 points for the Spartans as all four of his baskets were from long range. Marcus Morrison added three steals to lead UT.

The teams were even with 42 rebounds apiece as Saint Leo outshot the Spartans by a .393 to .358 mark. UT forced 14 SLU turnovers while committing just seven.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday in Boca Raton as it meets Lynn University in an SSC contest. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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