Matchup Set As #12 Tampa Set To Host Longtime SSC Rival Florida Southern

TAMPA, Fla. - Already out to a historic start, the 12th ranked University of Tampa men's basketball team will host conference rival Florida Southern College in a battle for first place on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

The Spartans, whom enter the contest with an unblemished 16-0 record, sit atop of the Sunshine State Conference with a 5-0 mark. The Moccasins trail UT in the standings with a 4-1 SSC record and are 12-4 overall.

Head coach Richard Schmidt has directed his squad to not only the best start in school history, but also to the longest win streak which currently stands at 16 games. Schmidt, in his 30th year of coaching, is inching closer to his 600th career victory as he boasts an overall record of 592-274.

UT is led by senior Rashad Callaway who is the reigning SSC Player of the Week, averaging 18.6 points and 5.5 assists per game. Fred Woods is coming off his best game of the year, scoring 14 points and collecting 13 boards in a win over Palm Beach Atlantic. Anthony Griffis put up 16 points in that game and is second on the team in scoring with 15.8 PPG.

Florida Southern is coming off consecutive wins over Eckerd and Lynn and is led by Terry Jenkins with 15.2 points per game. Rion Rayfield (13.7), Brandon Jenkins (13.6), and Damon Ellison (10.1) are the only other Moccasins that average double figures.

Tampa dropped both games against FSC last season and the Mocs hold a 67-49 advantage in the all-time series.

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.