Tampa Triumphs in Narrow Victory over Lynn

Box score

TAMPA, Fla.-The University of Tampa men's basketball team defeated Lynn University in a nail-biter 51-46 finish on Saturday evening in the Martinez Athletic Center. The Spartans improve to 11-4, 4-2 in the Sunshine State Conference. The Fighting Knights fall to 7-8, 1-4 in the conference.

Senior Eric Moraes topped the Spartans' leaderboard with a double-double scoring 11 points with an additional 10 rebounds. Junior Jordan Davis tallied nine points. Freshman Matt Johnson added an additional seven points to Tampa's overall total of 51.

Lynn's powerful first offense was led by juniors Aaron Harris with 17 points and Kaleb Clyburn with 13. Forward Cory Thomas with 13 rebounds ranked on top of the match's leaderboard.

Tampa captured the early lead winning the tip-off with a quick basket by Moraes. However Lynn's dynamic offense quickly captured the lead. Eight points by Harrison and six by Clyburn prevailed Lynn over the Spartans in the first half.

Guard Davis led the Spartans with six points in the first half. Forward Moraes captured six rebounds to join Davis atop the Spartan leaderboard.

The Spartans regained a quick advantage off a dunked basket by Moraes from Davis to put the team ahead 25-24. Following a media timeout the Spartans went on a nine-point rally forcing the Fighting Knights to call an additional timeout.

Strong Spartan offense overcame the last minute Fighting Knight efforts to give the team another SSC victory.

Tampa takes the court next at Florida Southern on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Lakeland, Fla.

UT will offer live stats and a webcast for the match through TampaSpartans.tv.

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