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By ROD GIPSON
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 22, 2001
TAMPA -- The University of Tampa's cruise toward the Sunshine State Conference tournament's top spot hit a rocky patch Wednesday night. Facing an Eckerd team also trying to establish its post-season position, UT lost an eight-point second-half lead and fell 67-63 to give the Tritons a sweep of the Spartans this season.
The loss knocks UT out as the top seed in the tournament, which starts Sunday in Lakeland. The Spartans (21-5, 10-4) will open as the third seed against No. 6 Saint Leo at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeland Civic Center. The loss, which ended the Spartans' six-game winning streak, comes just after making the Division II poll at No. 25.
"We didn't play well, but Eckerd didn't let us," UT coach Richard Schmidt said. "I give them credit. They outrebounded us and outhustled us."
"Any time you can win at Tampa it's great," Eckerd coach Tom Ryan said. "I thought they (UT) have been playing the best of anybody in the conference. I thought both teams battled but we're very happy with the outcome."
Up by two at the half, the Spartans went on a 13-3 run and held a 43-35 lead with 14:19 left. But that's when Eckerd (21-6, 10-4) started its comeback.
A three-pointer by Sharrod McCree, three free throws by Brian Stapf and a three-pointer by John Beckett grabbed the lead and control of the game. Kendrick Wilson and David Anthony each made two free throws to give Ryan his first 20-plus win season.
"It's been kind of a Jeckyl-and-Hyde season for us," said Ryan, whose team most likely will face Barry in the opening round. "It is a great feeling, but we are in a position now, because of what we have done, that if we don't win in the tournament, our season is over."
Wilson led the Tritons with 10 points. UT's Gecarri Freeman led all scorers with 18 and Slyvere Bryan added 13 points.