Tampa Suffers Setback In SSC Game At Eckerd

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The University of Tampa (8-5, 3-2 SSC) men's basketball team dropped its second straight Sunshine State Conference game with a 75-66 loss at Eckerd College (7-6, 1-3 SSC).

The Tritons held the lead for the entire first half, opening up a nine point advantage. UT closed out the half with the final six points, cutting the gap to one as Eckerd carried a 28-27 lead to the half.

Tampa broke a 42-42 tie in the second half to take its first lead following a pair of Rashad Callaway free throws. The lead would be short-lived as Eckerd reclaimed the lead with a pair of baskets on its ensuing possessions. The Tritons used the momentum to pull away as it outscored UT 12-6 in the final 2:59.

Reigning SSC Player of the Week lead UT's effort with team-highs of 26 points and seven rebounds. He also held team highs of two assists and three steals.

Marcus Morrison chipped in 12 points for the Spartans as Glyn Hunter was also in double figures with 11.

UT finished the game with a mark of 38 percent from the field as the Tritons shot at a 36 percent clip. Eckerd won the battle of the glass, outrebounding UT by a 43-33 showing.

The Spartans return home where it will host Rollins College on Saturday in an SSC meeting. The game is slated for 4 p.m. at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

UT will offer live stats and a webcast through its official athletics web site, www.tampaspartans.com.

Fans may also 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. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.