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Bulls And Spartans To Renew Rivalry

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 31, 2008

TAMPA - It's been 19 years since they last met, but the University of South Florida and University of Tampa will renew their rivalry in men's basketball this year when they meet in an exhibition contest.

The Bulls and Spartans will play an exhibition game on Nov. 10 at the Sun Dome. USF also will play an exhibition game at home against West Florida on Nov. 4. The Bulls open the regular season at home Nov. 14 against SMU.

"Our two exhibition games are set and are against teams we feel will test us and prepare us for the non-conference season," USF coach Stan Heath said in a statement. "Our Tampa matchup is very intriguing with the two schools in the city of Tampa and should be a game of interest to our fans and community. I am sure it will have a little bit of an extra intense feel to it because of the location of both schools."

USF and UT played four consecutive years from 1986-89, with the teams each winning twice. The series was never resumed - in part because USF had nothing to gain against playing a smaller Division II school. Ultimately the series never could be resumed because USF's conference membership in Conference USA and the Big East prohibited regular season contests against Division II opponents.

The Division II Spartans were 21-9 last season, including 11-5 in the Sunshine State Conference.

"This game will be tremendous for the city of Tampa," UT coach Richard Schmidt said in a statement. "I look forward for the opportunity to showcase two excellent programs. This is a great example that basketball remains strong in the Tampa area."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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