Box Score TAMPA, Fla. – The Eckerd College men's basketball team was defeated by the University of Tampa Spartans, 56-53, on the road Wednesday night.
It was the second win for the Spartans (14-8, 7-5) over EC (11-11, 4-8) this season with Tampa grabbing the first victory a little over a month ago in a game decided by just two points.
UT jumped on the board quickly and opened up the game going on a 9-3 run.
Shane Phillips found
Malcolm Brunner Jr. underneath the basket for a quick two points. On the next possession,
Jerrick Stevenson drove the lane and came through with a massive dunk.
Trevon Young was quick to create momentum for his team dropping in a layup with 9:23 left in the first half. The EC defense then forced a Tampa turnover that Young took to the hoop. He was fouled on the way up and dropped in both baskets to bring Eckerd within seven.
Freshman impact player,
Keshawn Ingram came off the bench and sunk in his 20
th three of the year to close the gap between the teams. Young ended the half tacking on six more points to send EC into the locker room down by two, 26-24.
Coming out of the half, Brunner Jr. came up with a big steal and sent the ball to
Kevin Walsh who drove the lane and brought the Tritons within one of the Spartans. A minute later Stevenson sunk in a three from NBA range and tied the two teams up at 31-31.
Brunner Jr. gave the Tritons their first lead of the night after he was fouled going up for a layup and successfully drained both free throws. Tampa quickly gathered their composure and took control of the ball.
After taking back the lead,
Matt Beneduci sunk in his 11
th three pointer of the year and brought Eckerd back within one. After taking the lead, EC went on a 7-2 run. A quick pass from Ingram to Young under the basket gave the Tritons their biggest lead of the night up 46-41.
The Spartans were able to fight back and take control of the ball late in the game. UT went on a 6-3 run to finish the game and take home the victory, 56-53. Tonight's contest marked the 11
th game this season that was decided by six points or less.
Young led all scorers with 17 points while Stevenson finished with 10. Ingram and Brunner Jr. each grabbed eight points apiece.
The Tritons look to get back on track and will hit the road to take on Rollins College this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
