TAMPA - The University of Tampa men's basketball team had just enough magic to make it past the first round at the Sunshine State Conference tournament in Winter Park.
After a 6-8 mark in the conference during the regular season, the Spartans were saddled with the tournament's sixth seed and not much in the way of expectations. But UT (16-13) put together a solid effort and upset No.3 Lynn 63-60 in the opening round Thursday.
Mark Borders led four UT scorers in double figures with 25 points. James Mereus added 14 points, Earnest Williams had 11 and Achille Ngounou 10.
But the first-round magic did not continue in the semifinals.
Borders and Mereus played well but No.2 Florida Southern dominated in a 73-57 win. The Spartans got as close as 31-27 early in the second half, but an 8-0 Florida Southern run was the beginning of the end for UT. Borders finished with 23 points and 10 assists and was named to the all-tournament team. Mereus added 14 points and eight rebounds.
"They had so many easy inside shots," UT coach Richard Schmidt said. "They hit wide-open shots from outside and we missed too many free throws. It just catches up with you."
BASEBALL: The Spartans, ranked No.1 in Division II, opened their Hawaiian swing with victories in three of their first four games. UT defeated host Hawaii Pacific 3-1 in the series opener Saturday, then lost 7-2 in the nightcap. But the Spartans bounced back Sunday with 9-3 and 7-4 wins.
Pitcher Eric Beattie had a strong outing against the Sea Warriors, going seven innings, allowing just three hits and striking out nine in the first game. He got all the support he needed when Billy Wimberly connected on a three-run home run. A day later, Casey McKenzie pitched five innings and struck out five in the 7-4 win.
Outstanding performances on Day 2 included Matt Armstrong going 3-for-8 with a double and two home runs, Marshall Taylor getting four hits and three RBIs and Tim Duff collecting four hits, including a home run. Erick Monzon stole three bases, and Robert Valienti had a home run.
UT (18-5) plays two games today against the Sea Warriors before returning home Wednesday. UT begins a three-game series Saturday at Saint Leo.
SOFTBALL: The Spartans improved to 11-2 after winning two games against Saginaw Valley State on Saturday. Devlin Daugherty pitched a complete game in the Spartans' 6-3 win, and Becky Testin followed with another complete game in a 4-2 win. Natalie Ippolito, Kristen Abbott and Testin had two hits each in the opener while Katie Bender paced UT in the second game with two hits and four RBIs. UT hosts Glenville State (W.Va.) today before opening SSC play Friday at Barry.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Yushanda Morse scored 18 and pulled down 19 rebounds but it wasn't enough as UT lost 57-56 to Florida Tech in the opening round of the Sunshine State Conference tournament. After falling behind early, UT whittled away at the lead throughout the half and led 56-55 with 2:16 remaining on a basket by Juanita McClinton. Both teams had several chances over the next few minutes, but neither could capitalize.
Finally, after a UT turnover, Florida Tech utilized the shot clock before Marcia Alvarado converted her layup with eight seconds left. UT had one last opportunity, but a forced shot by Shawtavia Mathis hit the side of the backboard as time expired. The Spartans ended the season 10-18.
