Tampa's Offense Stalls Late as They Fall to Embry-Riddle

Tampa, FL. – The University of Tampa Spartans Men's Basketball team drops a high-scoring game against their SSC rivals Embry-Riddle.

Final: Embry-Riddle Eagles 87, Tampa Spartans 72

Records: Tampa (6-11,5-6 SSC), Embry-Riddle (13-5, 6-5 SSC)

Location: Embry-Riddle University || Daytona Beach, Fl.

All-Time Series: The Spartans drop a game on their all-time record against the Eagles, to 9-8.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

The Spartans got off to a slow start offensively against the Eagles, and were unable to find their rhythm deep into the first period, trailing by as many as 14, thirteen minutes into the period. With under 7 minutes to go in the half, however, that's when Tampa began to hit their stride. The Spartans went on a 9-0 run in 2 minutes to cut into the Eagles' lead. Jesse White caught fire from behind the arc, as he led the Spartans with 13 minutes off of 3-4 shooting from behind the arc, and with Tampa sinking 8 of their final 9 shots, cutting the halftime deficit to just 3. | Score: 41-38 Eagles.

SECOND HALF

In the second half, the Spartans continued to fight back against the Eagles, as they ultimately erased their once double-digit deficit to take a small lead early on in the second half. Tyson Leitao commanded the comeback for Tampa, as he finished with a team-high 18 points. However, with under 9 minutes to go, the Spartans saw their lead slip away for good, as the Eagles' defense held Tampa to only 2 field goals made, and just 8 points over the final 8:44. | Score: 87-72 Eagles.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Tyson Leitao led the Spartans with 18 points.
• Jesse White poured in 17 points.
• Tyson Leitao also brought in 14 rebounds, tying a season high.

BEYOND THE BOX

• The Spartans were able to get to the free throw line 20 times tonight, shooting at a 75% clip from the stripe.
• The Spartans were outrebounded 41-24.
• Embry-Riddle turned 15 offensive rebounds into 24 second chance points.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will look to bounce back next Saturday at home, when they take on another SSC foe, Lynn University at 4 PM.

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