Spartans Struggle Defensively in Loss to Florida Southern

Tampa, FL. – The University of Tampa Spartans Men's Basketball struggles defensively with the Florida Southern Mocs!

Final: Florida Southern Mocs 96, Tampa Spartans 67

Records: Tampa (6-10, 5-5 SSC), Florida Southern (12-5, 6-4 SSC)

Location: George W. Jenkins Field House || Lakeland, Fl. 

All-Time Series: Mocs extend their record against the Spartans 78-43.

HOW IT HAPPENED 

FIRST HALF 

The Mocs are on a roll right out of the gates, making their first 3 of 4 shots from the field to put them up 6-0. Mykah Brown responds with a 3-ball to open up the Spartan's scoring; however, don't look too fast. Florida Southern expands their lead to 8 with a 5-0 run in under a minute. Brown and De'Andre Harvey respond by going on a 5-0 run. Once again, the Mocs responds with an 8-0 run to put themselves up by 11. Brown has had enough and scores three straight buckets to stop the Moc's momentum. After some back-and-forth scoring, Tampa has cut the southern lead to 4 with a little over 7 minutes remaining in half. Florida Southern closes the door going into the half on a 24-10 run. | Score: 48-30 Mocs

SECOND HALF 

The Mocs have started right back where they left up and have gone on a 9-2 run in the first 2 minutes of the second half. Tampa and Southern are on a 2-minute streak of not missing one field goal. Following some stellar defense from the Spartans, Tyson Leitao and company have gone on an 8-2 run to cut the Mocs lead to 19. After this, the Mocs became an unstoppable force and won by 30. || Score: 80-73 Spartans 

INSIDE THE STATS 

• Two Spartans scored double figures: Sophomore Tyson Leitao (21) and Senior Mykah Brown (21).
• The Spartans recorded 26 free throws compared to the Mocs' 7
• Tyson Leitao finished with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX

• The Spartans shot 87% from the line.
• Tampa had 5 blocks.
• The Mocs lead for 39:45.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will be back on the road Saturday, January 21, at 4:00 PM in Daytona Beach against Embry-Riddle.

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