Tritons Trump Tampa in Overtime

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - Despite a strong first half of play, the University of Tampa men's basketball team lost to visiting Eckerd College 71-65 in overtime. The defeat gives the Spartans a 16-8 overall record with a 3-8 mark in Sunshine State Conference games.

The Tritons improve to 14-6 on their season with a 7-5 tally in conference matchups.

Guards Anthony Griffis and Da'Markco Foster scored 26 and 18 points respectively for Tampa while Eric Moraes and Vincent Cornu each notched five boards.

Guards Terrell Pritchett and Jon Riles kept the offensive tempo as the duo contributed five assists each and combined for three steals.

Senior guard Griffis scored 15 first-half points as Tampa built a 35-28 lead against the Tritons. The Spartans did not trail the first half and led by as much as 12 points in their strong beginning half of play.

The Tritons cut the deficit 36-33 heading into the second half as the Spartans halted their first half momentum. Each team scattered points, with Tampa holding onto the lead with 10 minutes to play.

Eckerd's resilience allowed for them to take the lead in the late minutes of play. Foster tied the game with a jumper to force overtime. The Tritons mirrored Tampa's first half by outscoring the home squad 30-21 in the second.

With regulation complete, Alex Bodney solidified the Triton lead with a three-point shot as Eckerd did not falter en route to the 71-65 overtime victory.

The Spartans will face conference opponent Nova Southeastern on Saturday. The road contest will begin at 4 p.m. with live stats available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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