Lions Capture Win Over Spartans

ST. LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team traveled to Saint Leo Univerisity and were defeated, 68-56. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Tampa 56, Saint Leo 68
Records: Tampa (14-7, 7-5 SSC), Saint Leo (10-10, 4-6 SSC)
Location: Bowman Center | Saint Leo, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series over Saint Leo with a 58-18 record.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

 
1st Half | The Spartans got out to a slow start as the Lions went on a 6-0 run to open the half. The Spartans stopped the run on a jumper from freshman Mekhi Biffle and scored again on their next possession with a layup from junior Duke Shelton. The Lions continued their offensive push and increased their lead to as many as 11 points. But the Spartans started to find their rhythm after back-to-back three pointers from sophomore Freddy Ibrahim and senior Austin Rettig. Sophomore Anthony Gamble tallied his first points on a three pointer of his own which brought the Spartans within two points of the Lions.  

2nd Half | The Lions were the first to score to open the second half. Ibrahim scored first for the Spartans on a layup bringing the Spartans within three points of the Lions. The Spartans and the Lions traded baskets, Saint Leo consistently keeping UT at a three point deficit. However, the Spartans came within one point of the Lions after a three point make from Shelton. Both teams remained scoreless for nearly two minutes until the Lions scored again on a layup. The Spartans closed in on the Lions advantage but a late run from Saint Leo would solidify their 68-56 victory. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Shelton led all Spartans with 15 points, seven rebounds, one block, and one steal.
• The second leading point scorers were Rettig and Biffle, both with 12 points.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The Spartans and the Lions split this season's series. 

UP NEXT:

Tampa returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to meet the Eagles at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available through TampaStats.com. Fans can watch through TampaSpartans.com.

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