Box Score ST. LEO, FLA.. - The Falcons overcame an 18-point halftime deficit, but came up short against  the University of Tampa 93-89 on Friday night in the season opener. 

The Falcons trailed 50-32 at halftime. The Spartans used a big run in the last four minutes to build the commanding lead. UM only trailed 32-29 with 4:03 remaining, but Tampa finished the half with a devastating 18-3 run.

In the second half, the Falcons chipped away at the deficit, scoring the first nine points in the first two minutes to close the gap to 50-41 with 18:02 left in the game. Later in the half, the Falcons battled their way back, overcoming a consistent double-digit deficit to tie the game. Vinnie Viana's freethrows with 2:20 left tied the game at 77-77. Then, Viana gave UM the their first lead with a three point play. His basket and freethrow gave the Falcons their first lead since very early in the game at 80-77 with less than a minute left.

The Falcons were leading 82-79 when Derrick Felder tied the game with a -pointer with five seconds remaining. The two teams exchanged baskets over the first three minutes. Tampa took the lead for good when Max Jones hit a jumper with 2:06 left to give the Spartans a 90-88. The Falcons wouldn't have an answer this time.

Guard Xavier Malcom had a fantastic game, finishing with 26 points. He was 9-for-14 from the field, including 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Viana added 16 points, while James McNeil tallied 13 points and Jason King. dripped in 12 to go with seven rebounds. Another noteworthy performance came from Aaris Montet Bonds who cleaned the glass with 11rebounds.

The Falcons wrap up the weekend in a game against Saint Leo at noon.