Tampa Will Attempt To Make History As It Hosts Saint Leo

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 25 University of Tampa men's basketball team will attempt to accomplish a feat that has never happened in program history as it hosts Saint Leo University in a 7:30 p.m. Sunshine State Conference matchup on Wednesday at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

The Spartans stand at 14-0 on the season, matching the school record for consecutive wins to start a season with the 1991-92 squad. In 48 years of men's basketball, this team hopes to become the first to win each of its first 15 games.

Head coach Richard Schmidt's team is also a perfect 4-0 in SSC play, its best start since beginning league play 11-0 in the 2001-02 campaign. In 30 years of coaching, Schmidt has an overall record of 590-274 as he continues to move closer to his 600th career victory.

UT is led by senior guard Rashad Callaway, who will start in his 100th game as a Spartan. The preseason All-American and SSC Player of the Year candidate leads Tampa is scoring (17.9 ppg) and assists (77). He is one of four Spartans averaging double figures, joined by Anthony Griffis (15.1), Fred Woods (12.0) and Callum Townsend (10.5).

The Lions enter the contest with an overall record of 9-4 and SSC showing of 1-3. Saint Leo is looking to snap a two-game skid after losses to Florida Southern and Nova Southeastern. SLU is led by sophomore center Matt Kendrick, who leads the team in scoring (13.5 ppg) and rebounding (7.0 rpg).

Tampa owns a 50-11 advantage in the all-time series and won both meetings last season. UT has also won three of the last four games with SLU and three straight at the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

Tickets will be available prior to the game for $5 (adults) and $3 (senior citizens and students). UT students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid UT identification card.

UT will offer live stats and a video webcast of the game through www.tampaspartans.com.