Spartans Get Big Win On Senior Day

Tampa, Fla – The University of Tampa Men's Basketball team was back at the Bob this evening for a Sunshine State Conference matchup with Embry-Riddle. Today was also Senior Day for the Spartans, the program honored six players who are playing in their final season at the University of Tampa. Bryan Williams, Tyson Leitao, Isaiah Young, De'Andre Harvey, Zach Johnson, and Kaden Froebe have exemplified what it has meant to be a part of the Tampa basketball program. These Seniors were celebrated before the game and often during the game with multiple Spartans showing up big when they needed it the most. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 73, Embry-Riddle 70

Records: Tampa 16-9 (8-9 SSC), Embry-Riddle 15-9 (9-7 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Center l Tampa, Fla.

All-time series: This was the 21st meeting between these two programs. Even with the win, Tampa is still behind 11-10 in the all-time series lead. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: In a game Tampa had to have with just four games left in the regular season, everyone stepped up. In total, nine different Spartans scored a basket and five recorded seven or more points. It all started with Senior Bryan Williams getting the first four points on the board with back to back layups before fellow Senior Tyson Leitao added two free throws. This gave Tampa a 6-3 lead after the first three minutes of action and both teams traded baskets as they got more settled into this contest. At the 14 minute mark, Ryan Blount drilled a three to give Tampa a 12-9 lead. ERAU responded and back and forth these teams went again. Playing into the high pace of this game, Kaden Frobe knocked down a transition three to give Tampa its first big lead at 21-14. As the first half crossed into the final ten minutes, Embry-Riddle had stormed back to pull within four but Trey Lane drilled a deep three to Tampa back in control 29-22. Amarion Nimmers and Kaden Froebe added four more points but Embry-Riddle would not go away. The Eagles started to hit shots from outside and went on a small run until once again Trey Lane was able to hit a shot to settle the Spartans. Bryan Williams added a bucket in the final minute and the Spartans took a four point lead into the break. 

Score: Tampa 44, Embry-Riddle 40

SECOND HALF: To start the second half, Embry-Riddle was able to find some offensive momentum, making shots in bunches. However, Tyson Leitao was determined to keep the Spartans in it. The Senior scored five straight points and the Spartans led 49-48 with 16 minutes to go. Both teams continued trading baskets until Isaiah Young hit a big three to re-give Tampa the lead at 55-53. Neither team could get any separation until Tyson Leitao sparked a run. With the score tied at 58, Leitao finished a tough lay at the rim which was followed by Bryan Willaims getting to the line to extend the lead to 64-58. As the game transitioned into the final ten minutes, Embry-Riddle was not going to go down without a fight. They answered the Tampa run with one of their own and by the six minute mark, retook the lead. Down 68-64, Tampa went back to work leaning on their senior leaders. Tyson Leitao and Bryan Williams finished strong takes around the rim, giving Ian Higdon a chance to tie the game at 70. He did so with a strong putback and we had a tie game with under three minutes to play. The Spartan defense had played lights out all afternoon long, but they really shined in this big moment. They forced four straight missed shots and the Bob martinez crowd forced a missed free throw to hold Embry-Riddle scoreless in the biggest moments of the game. On the flip side, Bryan Williams was able to use his speed and high basketball IQ to draw contact on back to back possessions and get to the line. Williams sank what ended up being the game winning free throws in the final minute of the game and the Spartans celebrated Senior Day with a big win. 

FINAL: Tampa 73, Embry-Riddle 70

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Bryan Williams drops 24 points to go with 2 steals and 2 assists 

• Tyson Leitao records 13th double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds

• Freshman Kyler Lamb sets career high with 7 points 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will be back on the road for the next week with back to back away games. They will start the week in Melbourne with a matchup against Florida Tech. The Spartans will go for the regular season sweep on Wednesday, February 19th at 7:30pm. 

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