Close Game Results in Defeat for Spartans

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team falls to Embry-Riddle on the road.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Embry-Riddle 77, Tampa 62

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (6-18, 3-13 SSC), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles (16-8, 8-8 SSC)

Location: ICI Center | Daytona Beach, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa still leads the all-time series with a 8-5 mark.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | Senior Brent Duncan started the game extremely hot for the Spartans. Tampa began a quick 9-0 run all by the hands of Duncan, including a slam dunk that got the team motivated. The half was close the entire way through. The Eagles remained in the game due to their three-point game going for them. Tampa did not back down, however. Duncan kept his scoring going and Gio Diaz contributed with a pair of threes of his own. Due to attacking the rim and drawing fouls, Tampa ended the half on an 8-0 run, produced at the charity strike. || Tampa 31, Embry-Riddle 31

2nd Half | Diaz began the second half draining a three-pointer. Embry-Riddle knocked down multiple three-pointers of their own that resulted in them running away with lead. Duncan continued his hot shooting, but the bucket seemed big from deep for the Eagles. Halfway through the half, the Eagles had already drained seven three-pointers. || Embry-Riddle 77, Tampa 62

INSIDE THE STATS:

· Brent Duncan was the leading scorer and rebounder with 27 points and 10 rebounds.

· Gio Diaz was the second leading scorer with 12 points.

· Martin Lakovic shot 50 percent from the field, scoring 11 points.

· Tampa scored 13 second chance points and 28 points off of the bench.

BEYOND THE BOX:

· Brent Duncan scored a new career-high of 27 point and also recorded his first ever collegiate double-double.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will return to their home court in Tampa which will spark their three-game home streak with their first match-up against Florida Tech next Wednesday at 7:30 pm.

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