Tampa Shoots Past Clark Atlanta in Blowout Win

Box score

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The University of Tampa (3-0) men's basketball team picked up an easy 73-54 victory over Clark Atlanta University (0-2), continuing on its hot start to the 2012-13 season. The game was played in St. Pete at the Eckerd Classic

The Spartans led by as many as 14 points in the first half, though the Panthers would cut the lead to four points with 1:49 before half. Da'Markco Foster would convert a pair of free throws to give UT a 36-30 lead at the break.

Head coach Richard Schmidt's team came out of the break with a 15-2 run, putting Clark Atlanta away early. The Spartans led by as many as 29 points as the Panthers were unable to get any closer than an 18-point margin.

After leading the team with 18 points in Tuesday's win over Southeastern, Foster matched his scoring output to lead all Spartan scorers. The junior guard was 6-for-8 from the field, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. He also led UT with three steals.

Anthony Griffis joined Foster in double figures, netting 13 points. Vincent Cornu grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds as Jon Riles had six assists.

The Spartans shot 48.3 percent from the field, as the Panthers recorded a clip of 31.3. Tampa also held a distinct advantage on the boards with a 47-22 differential.

UT returns to the court on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., facing the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamon on the final day at the Eckerd Classic. Live stats will be available through TampaSpartans.com.

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