On Thursday, Tampa Bay Tech was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 54-50 to the Terrapins. While losing is never fun, Tampa Bay Tech can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 307th, while the Terrapins are ranked 101st).
Despite the defeat, Tampa Bay Tech saw an underclassman step up: Neomar Flores scored 19 points along with six rebounds and three steals. Flores is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Maxwell Daley, who scored eight points along with 13 rebounds.
Tampa Prep was led to victory by Christian Fuller and J'London Bivens. Fuller scored ten points along with six rebounds and two steals, while Bivens almost dropped a double-double on 11 points and nine rebounds. Bivens is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last seven games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Ben Jackson, who scored nine points.
This is the second loss in a row for Tampa Bay Tech and nudges their season record down to 11-10. As for Tampa Prep, their victory was their 26th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 20-2.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Tampa Bay Tech's road trip will continue as they head out to face the Hurricanes at 7:30 p.m. on January 26th. As for Tampa Prep, they will take on the Trailblazers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Patel is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.
