Spartans Fall in Final Minute

ST. LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans fall in the final minute to St. Leo.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: St. Leo Lions 89, Tampa Spartans 82

Records: Tampa (6-14, 2-10 SSC), St. Leo (9-11, 3-9 SSC)

Location: Marion Bowman Activities Center | St. Leo, Fla.

All-Time: Spartans still hold an impressive record over the Spartans at 63-28.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st HALF

After St. Leo started the game on an 8-2 run and then followed, taking a 10-point lead, 16-6, Jesse White and Bryan Williams responded with 11 straight for the Spartan's first lead of the night, 17-16. After 8 lead changes and 3 ties throughout the next 11 minutes, Tampa found themselves down five heading into the locker rooms. | Score: 45-40 St. Leo

2nd HALF

With a five-point lead heading out of the half, the beginning of the second half stayed at a stalemate. Tampa cut the deficit to three with a Williams jumper to open the second half, and St. Leo's largest lead was eight at the 16:27 mark. Tampa would cut into their deficit to five and then respond after a St. Leo bucket with five straight to tie the game at 58. After St. Leo took a 67-60 lead, Williams and De'Andre Harvey would combine to score nine straight to take a 69-67 lead. The game would stay within a one-possession lead change and become tied at 79 and once again at 81 with a minute on the clock. St. Leo would knock down a three and pull away. | Score: 89-82 St. Leo

INSIDE THE STATS

• Harvey led the Spartans with 18 points on 50% from the floor.
• Tyson Leitao received a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
• Williams had 18 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 46.9% from the floor, 35.7% from behind the arch, and 60% from the line.
• Tampa had 16 2^nd chance points.
• Tampa had 28 points in the paint.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa Spartans will return to the Bob as they host rival Florida Southern on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 4:00 P.M.