Upset Bid Falls Short As #23 Rollins Edges Tampa

WINTER PARK, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team nearly pulled off an upset of No. 23 Rollins College, falling by a 61-59 score. The Sunshine State Conference loss drops UT to 10-12 overall and 4-9 in the SSC while Rollins improves to 19-4 and 10-2 in league play.

UT got out to a 10-3 advantage before Rollins went on a 16-5 run to turn the first half momentum. The Tars led for the duration of the opening frame, taking a 30-28 lead to halftime.

In the second half, the Spartans opened on a 13-3 run and built a 49-36 lead with 11:36 remaining. Rollins outscored Tampa 19-7 in the final 10 minutes of regulation as Nick Wolf gave the Tars a 60-59 lead on a layup with 17 seconds to play. Following a UT turnover, Wolf made the front end of a pair of free throws to seal the victory with a second on the clock.

Anthony LaBruno led all Spartans with 20 points, connecting on 6-for-10 field goals. LaBruno also hit five 3-pointers and led UT with five assists. The senior from Bayonne, N.J. also grabbed seven boards for the Spartans.

Marcus Morrison added 12 points while Rashad Callaway chipped in 11 points for Tampa. Morrison also pulled down a team high nine rebounds.

Both teams shot an identical 41.5 percent from the field as Rollins outrebounded its opponent 34-33.

Tampa returns home, where it will host Eckerd College on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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