Spartans Win Home Opener

Tampa, Fl. – The University of Tampa Spartans Men's Basketball team pulls off a home opener comeback over the Barry Buccaneers to get their first win if the year.

Final: Tampa Spartans 72, Barry Buccaneers 69

Records: Tampa (1-2, 1-0 SSC), Barry (1-1, 0-1 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Center || Tampa, Fl.

All-Time Series: Tampa and Barry continue their battle in conference play with the Spartans extending their series lead to 46-32.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

The Spartans had a strong start by going on an 8-0 run to start the game with 5 straight points from De'Andre Harvey. Three minutes later at the 15-minute mark Barry stormed back quickly and took at 11-10 lead. The Spartans lead for most of the time in the first half with its scoring from Mykah Brown and Harvey. The Buccaneers then took the lead with 6 minutes left in the first half, and they retained their lead going into the half || Score: 41-35 Barry

SECOND HALF

Going into the second half the competition on the court did not disappoint with a ton of back and forth baskets by both team. Finally after trailing for the first 9 minutes the Spartans overcame the Buccaneers lead and took control of the score with a three ball by Mykah Brown for a 50-46 Spartans lead. Tampa kept their lead until the 3:24 mark after a Barry layup to take a 61-60 lead. The Spartans were down 4 with a minute thirty left, but then Jacob Harris made a three ball to cut the Buccaneers lead to 1. After a defensive stop by the Spartans Harris got fouled driving to the basket with 10 second left. Harris made both of his free throws and the Spartans stopped the Buccaneers one more time to receive their first win of the season. | Score: 72-69 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS

• Five Spartans scored in double digits tonight: Senior Mykah Brown (16), Junior Jacob Harris (14), Sophomore De'Andre Harvey (12), Senior Jonathan Bryant II (12), and Sophomore Bryant Brown (11).
• The Spartans lead 44-28 in total rebounds. 

BEYOND THE BOX

• Jacob Harris recorded 14 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist.
• Mykah Brown had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
• The Spartans lead in FG Percentage of 48% compared to Barry's 35%.

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel to St. Pete next weekend to play in the Eckerd Thanksgiving Classic on Friday Nov. 25, against Wayne State (Neb.).

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GAMEDAY MULTIMEDIA: Fans may watch all home games and Sunshine State Conference contests on TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.

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