Tampa Falls in Final Seconds to Embry-Riddle

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans fall in their tightest matchup of the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Embry-Riddle Eagles 82, Tampa Spartans 79

Records: Tampa (5-8, 1-4 SSC), Embry-Riddle (8-4, 2-2 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time: The series is now tied up at 9 apiece.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st HALF

After an opening basket by the Eagles, Zach Johnson and Tyson Leitao would make back-to-back threes to take a 6-2 lead. The Eagles would respond with five straight before Leitao made a free throw to tie it up at 7 apiece. After the Eagles scored five straight, the Spartans responded with five straight to tie it at 12. Some back-and-forth basketball would conclude with a tied-up game at 19. No lead was safe throughout the first half, and both teams went into their locker rooms tied up at 42. | Score: 42-42 Tied

2nd HALF

As the game progressed, multiple missed shots, steals, turnovers, timeouts, and free throws occurred. The score remained close, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. In the final minutes, the score was tied at 79 - 79. Embry-Riddle made a crucial 3-point shot in the last seconds, putting his team ahead. | Score: 82-79 Embry-Riddle  

INSIDE THE STATS

• White lead all Spartans with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.
• Williams followed with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
• Leitao recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 42.4% from the floor and 48.3% from behind the arch.
• Tampa had 13 fastbreak points.
• Tampa has 38 rebounds.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa Spartans will travel to Fort Lauderdale for their first road conference test of the new year as they take on the #1 team in the country, Nova Southeastern, on Saturday, Jan.6, at 4:00 P.M.