Spartans Use Career Night to Earn Victory

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Three Spartans used career nights to help lead The University of Tampa (2-1) past the Valdosta State University Blazers (3-2) in the opening game of the Eckerd Classic by a score of 92-81.

The Spartans were able to come out of the gate on fire. A layup by senior Chris Evans put Tampa up 11-2, and forced Valdosta State's coach to call a timeout at the 15:49 mark in the first half. However, the timeout did not cool the Spartans down as they were able build an 11 point lead, their largest of the first half, at the 8:19 mark after a Jason Baker basket. Tampa was able to keep a comfortable lead for the rest of the half, and went into halftime enjoying a 41-31 lead.

The momentum did not switch sides after the halftime break, and Tampa was able to increase its halftime lead of 10 to a 15 point lead, once again forcing Valdosta State's coach to call a timeout less than five minutes into the second half. The Blazers were able to claw back, and get the score within five when they hit a three-pointer at the 5:57 mark, but that was as close as they would get. Tampa was able to hold off the Blazers, and win the game by a score of 92-81.

Black was able to lead the Spartans in points, when he scored 30 points on 11-13 shooting. Both stats were good enough to set career highs in both points and field goals made. His previous career highs were 26 and nine, respectively. Three other Spartans finished with double digit points. Junior Johnathan Ball set a new scoring career high with 19 points. Evans and Chris King scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Black also lead Tampa with 16 rebounds while King pulled down a career-best 10. Freshman Rashad Callaway continued to improve as he added a career-best eight assists.

Tampa shot a season high .585 shooting percentage, while also shooting .571% from behind the arc, while holding the Blazers to a .271 clip from long range.

Tampa continues their play in the Eckerd Classic tomorrow as they are set to square off against the Puerto Rico-Pio Piedras at 5:30 pm in St. Petersburg.