Second Half Offense Leads Spartans Over Puerto Rico-Bayamon

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The University of Tampa (6-0) men's basketball team won its second game in as many days with an 88-68 victory over the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon at the Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday.

After taking just a four-point edge to the break, UT scored 50 points in the second half while opening the second period on a 12-4 run. The Spartans led by as many as 21 in the final half, remaining perfect on the season.

At 6-0, head coach Richard Schmidt's squad is off to its best start since the 2001-02 season. In that season, UT won its first eight games before suffering a loss.

After scoring a career high 25 points in last year's victory over Bayamon, Tampa sophomore Callum Townsend led the Spartans with 24 points. He also notched his first double-double of the season and third of his career with a team-high 10 rebounds. He finished 9-for-12 from the field, including three from long-range.

A total of four Spartans scored in double figures as Anthony Griffis added 19 points. Rashad Callaway and Ashton Graham also had 16 and 12 points respectively. Osby Kelly came off the bench to match Townsend with a team-leading 10 rebounds. Callaway also turned in team-highs of five assists and two steals.

Tampa returns home for a Monday evening contest with Southeastern (Fla.) University. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Bob Martinez Sports Center. Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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