Spartans Fall to Eckerd After Forgettable Second Half

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team suffered a 96-54 loss to Eckerd following a second half the Spartans prefer to forget. UT drops to 15-12 on the season and 7-8 in Sunshine State Conference play. Eckerd improves to 21-5 on the season and 10-4 in league play.

The game remained close throughout the first half, with Eckerd taking a slim 28-27 lead to halftime. The Tritons came out in the second half to go on a 16-3 run over the first 5:32 of the second half.

The Spartans were charged with five technical fouls in the game, four of which were called in the second half. Eckerd outscored UT by a mark of 68-27 in the second half as the Spartans were called for 23 fouls in the half. Overall, Eckerd was 38-45 from the free throw line as the Spartans finished 9-17.

Jeremy Black led Tampa in scoring as he recorded 16 points, 14 of which came in the first half. Black also notched a double-double with a team-high 10 rebounds as well.

Johnathan Ball chipped in 11 points and also recorded three blocked shots. Jeff James provided a spark off the bench for UT, scoring 15 points on 7-10 shooting.

The Spartans close out their regular season at home against Nova Southeastern. Saturday's game is scheduled for 4 p.m., and will be part of a CSTV/NCAA Webcast through cstv.com.