Following a disappointing loss to Florida Memorial on Nov. 23, the University of Tampa men’s basketball team won three straight games over Thanksgiving break.
The Spartans opened the season at the Martinez Center against a 1-4 team that they had beaten 92-56 last season. This time around was a much different story.
UT trailed 35-23 before a 10-0 run cut the deficit to 35-33 at halftime. The second half was back and fourth, but Tampa could not overcome their opponent’s attack and fell 77-70.
Florida Memorial shot 60.4 percent from the field to UT’s 43.9, a large disparity that affected the outcome of the game.
On a positive note, preseason All-American Rashad Callaway led UT with 20 points in the game. Senior Anthony LaBruno, the team’s only other returning starter, was not far behind with 18 points.
UT’s first win of the season came the night before Thanksgiving at the Martinez Center.
Opposing St. Thomas entered the game as a Top 5 team in Division III. The Tommies managed to keep up with the Spartans after UT took a 42-36 lead into halftime. While Tampa held the lead throughout most of the second half, St. Thomas managed to tie the score with just 1:26 remaining.
The game remained even in the final seconds as UT drove the ball down the court. As time ran out, Callaway drained a three-pointer that give the Spartans their first win of the season, 71-68.
Callaway finished the game with 25 points, again leading UT. Only one other Spartan scored in double figures, as junior Glyn Hunter turned in 17 points.
Next came the Eckerd Classic, beginning on Black Friday. This time, the offense came out swinging.
For the first time in more than a year, the Spartans scored more than 100 points, topping Edward Waters 106-81. UT led by 20 or more points throughout the second half.
Additionally, all 15 Spartans who dressed received playing time while five scored in double figures. Callaway led with 28 points and nine assists. Hunter had 18 points and led UT in rebounds with six.
The next day was more challenging, though not at first, as UT took on winless Puerto Rico-Bayamon in its second Eckerd Classic matchup.
UT took a 57-34 lead into halftime and led by as many as 27 points in the first half. However, the game turned upside down in the second half.
UPR came all the way back and managed to take an 87-86 lead with 3:46 on the clock. Tampa then battled back and fought off the opposition, winning 93-88.
Freshman Callum Townsend led UT with 25 points, shooting 6-9 from three-point range and 7-9 from the foul line. Callaway had a team-high seven assists and scored 20 points of his own.
Ryan Burkett can be reached at rburkett@ut.edu.