January 7, 2015
Tampa WIns Thriller Over Eckerd
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The University of Tampa (7-5, 0-2) picked up a big win, in a road conference matchup against the Eckerd College Tritons (8-4, 2-1). The two teams played a back and forth affair, as Tampa pulled out the 73-71 victory.
The Spartans and Tritons played a tightly contested game in the first half of play, as UT took a 35-32 lead after the first 20 minutes of play. The two teams were evenly matched, as Tampa shot 42.4 % (14-33) and Eckerd shot 44.4 % (12-27).
Senior Eugene McRory led the half for UT, as he collected 12 points and 5 rebounds.
The second half was similar to the first half of play as the teams traded leads back and forth. Eckerd took the lead back from Tampa at the 13:51 mark. With 7:29 left to play in the half, the Tritons took a five point lead over the Spartans, with a Malcolm Brunner Jr. Jumper.
The two continued to trade baskets down the stretch, as Tampa regained the lead at 61-60 with a Matt Johnson layup with under 4:00 minutes left to play. That Johnson bucket gave Tampa the lead for good. Eckerd had a chance for the win, as the final shot hit the back rim to seal the victory for Tampa.
McCrory lead the way for Tampa as he recorded 23 points and nine rebounds. Senior Jordan Davis contributed with 21 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Matt Johnson also scored in double figures as he scored 12 points, along with eight rebounds.
Tampa will be back in action on Saturday, as they travel to Melbourne to take on Florida Tech. Tip-off is set for 5:30.
