The Dragons (6-3 Overall) saw their second-half comeback fall just short in a 76-72 defeat to the Spartans to kick off the Tampa Classic.

Tiffin struggled with shooting from beyond the arc, totaling just 10.5 percent from distance.

There were five lead changes in the first five minutes before Tampa went on a run to extend their lead to as many as 10 points.  The Spartans went on to hold that lead into the halftime break at 45-35.

Tampa kept up the pressure entering the second half, increasing its advantage to as many as 17 points with just over 15 minutes remaining. The Dragons gathered some momentum and slowly began to chip away at the deficit over the next 10 minutes.

Tiffin pulled to within two at 66-64 following two successful free throws from Brandon Swaby. With just under a minute remaining, a layup by Carius Key once again made it a two-point game but the Dragons were unable to get the go-ahead basket before the final buzzer.

Joshua Rivers tallied a season-high 18 points and added seven rebounds and two blocks as well. Morgan Taylor posted 14 points and led the team in assists with four while Wesley Jordan recorded his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

TU will be back in action tomorrow at 2 p.m. to take on Eckerd College.