Tampa Loses in Overtime to PBA

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – The University of Tampa Spartans Men's Basketball team lose an overtime matchup to PBA on the road.

Final: Palm Beach Atlantic 79, Tampa Spartans 77

Records: Tampa (7-13, 6-8 SSC), PBA (11-10, 7-8 SSC)

Location: Rubin Arena || West Palm beach, Fl. 

All-Time Series: The Spartans lead the all-time series 27-10. They are on a three-game win streak. In their last matchup, the Spartans beat PBA 73-65 at home. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

FIRST HALF 

The game started with Yarden Willis scoring the first points. Tyson Leitao followed behind him with four straight points. From here, a steal which converted into a dunk for Mykah Brown forced PBA to take a timeout. Out of the timeout, PBA sunk a three but a mid-range jumper from Leitao kept Tampa in front. Tampa then goes on a 6-0 run with Willis and Leitao led the way while they have a field day in the paint scoring over their defenders heads. PBA didn't stand down as they converted a putback layup which put them within four points of Tampa's lead. A dunk from Jacob Harris sparks energy into the team as they looked to keep their lead. Harris then converts for another transition dunk which puts Tampa up 23-15. PBA then goes on a little run cutting the deficit back down to four. Tampa tried gaining separation but couldn't get far enough. PBA then ties the game at 33 before the first half ended. | Score: 33-33 Tie

SECOND HALF 

The second half began with an and-one shot from Willis. PBA responded with a floater then later tied the game at 38. It was back and forth action as Tampa looked to gain some distance from PBA going up 46-41. From here the game was tied again at 48. Willis continued dominating in the paint, scoring easily. PBA continued chipping away at Tampa's lead putting them within two points with just under 8:30 left. Tampa then went 4-5 from the field but PBA kept themselves close. PBA cut the lead to one, 63-62, with 41 seconds left. Leitao makes a layup setting the score at 65, but a three from PBA ties the game again sending this matchup into overtime. | Score: 65-65 Tie

OVERTIME

PBA opened the overtime going 2-2 from the free throw line taking their second lead of the night. They then came back with a three putting them out 70-65 over Tampa with under three minutes left. Harris responds with a three putting Tampa within two. Tampa attempts to remain close in the closing minutes managing to tie the game at 77 with under 10 seconds left after a euro step layup from Harvey. PBA converts a finger rolling layup to take the lead with 1.5 seconds left. Tampa, unfortunately couldn't respond resulting in them losing a close matchup on the road. | Score: 79-77 PBA

INSIDE THE STATS 

• Five Spartans finished in double digits: Mykah Brown (18), Tyson Leitao (14), Jacob Harris (14), Yarden Willis (11), Zach Simpson (10)
• Brown, Harvey and Harris all finished with six rebounds a piece
• Harvey and Brown finished with six assist a piece

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa scored 58 points in the paint
• Tampa forced PBA to turn the ball over 13 times
• Simpson's 10 points set a new season high

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel back home as they matchup against St. Leo on Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

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