Tampa Gets Revenge on Florida Southern as Chris King Enjoys Career Effort

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team battled to a 68-63 victory over Sunshine State Conference rival Florida Southern College. The Spartans improve to 14-11 overall and 6-7 in the SSC as they won their second straight game. The Mocs drop to 6-18 and 2-12 in league action.

After taking a 14-13 lead on a pair of Chris King free throws with 10:19 remaining in the first half, the Spartans never trailed again. The free throws marked the start of a 7-0 run before heading to the half with a 27-24 advantage.

It took just over five minutes for the Spartans to stretch their lead to double figures in the second half as they led 40-30 with 14:42 remaining in the game. Florida Southern made a run as they cut a 58-44 Tampa lead to six points after an 8-0 run by the Mocs. The Spartans were able to hold the lead as the closest Florida Southern got was three points.

King finished the game with a new career high of 26 points. He connected on 11-14 free throws and three long-range shots as the lone Spartan in double figures. King also led UT with three assists and two steals.

Jeremy Black led UT with 10 rebounds, three offensive. Black and Chris Evans added seven points apiece as Evans also added four blocked shots.

The Spartans travel to Boca Raton to face Lynn on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.