Tampa Holds On to Defeat Barry

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team held off a pesky Barry University squad for a 70-61 victory. The Spartans improve to 9-5 on the year and 3-2 in the Sunshine State Conference as the Bucs fall to 6-9 and 2-3 in league play.

Both teams had their chances in the first half, with Barry taking a 14-8 lead with 11:17 to play before half. The Spartans answered with a 7-0 rally to take a one point lead. After surrendering the lead, Tampa regained the lead at the 7:20 mark before Barry evened the contest at 26-26 with just over a minute remaining in the half.

The Spartans came out strong in the second half, taking the lead for good with 18:44 remaining. The lead reached double figures when the Spartans went up 50-40 with 7:30 on the clock. The Bucs stayed within striking distance, but were unable to get closer than four points.

Fred Woods led Tampa with 23 points and 11 rebounds, registering his ninth double-double of the season. He was also 7-7 from the free-throw line and recorded two blocked shots. Rashad Callaway added 15 points while Johnathan Ball had 13 for the Spartans.

Tampa will continue conference play on Wednesday as the Spartans travel to Lakeland to battle Florida Southern in a 7:30 p.m., contest. Fans may sign up for eScores, a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of Spartan athletic events. Please visit the official athletics website to sign up.