ORLANDO – Florida TNT, along with three former UCF Men's Basketball players, are one win away from advancing to The Basketball Tournament quarterfinals after surviving the second round of play Sunday night in Wichita, Kansas, fending off LA Cheaters, 92-85.
Former UCF Men's Basketball stars Matt Williams (2012-17), Tristan Spurlock (2010-14) and Keith Clanton (2009-13) were on the winning Florida TNT team, playing as one of 64 teams competing across four regions for the $1 million winner-take-all prize.
Up 82-70 heading into the Elam Ending, Florida TNT allowed LA Cheaters to work their way back into the game, at one point even bringing the score to within just two, but Florida TNT held on to secure the 92-85 victory over an LA Cheaters team that featured six former NBA players on its roster.
This team has a chance to be SPECIAL ??@FloridaTnt is one win away from advancing to Dayton for the quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/GuBEUCvbEL
— TBT (@thetournament) July 19, 2021
Clanton, who is UCF's all-time rebounds (1,000) and games played (129) leader, contributed in a big way to help Florida TNT secure the win Sunday night, turning in a double-double performance after racking up 12 points and 11 rebounds. The 6-foot-9 big man also added two steals and was an efficient 6-of-8 from the field.
Williams saw 12 minutes of game action and was 0-of-1 from the field with a steal. Spurlock did not play in the game for Florida TNT.
Our all-time leader in rebounds is still taking care of business nearly a decade later ??@Im_Keithclanton with the double-double to help his squad advance #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/6E5CQNDyMR
— UCF Men's Hoops (@UCF_MBB) July 19, 2021
With the win, Florida TNT secured its spot in the round of 16 game, scheduled for Tuesday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. They will play the winner of Stillwater Stars and Eberlein Drive, who are scheduled to play at 9:00 p.m. Sunday evening.
If Florida TNT wins the round of 16 game, they will travel to Dayton, Ohio, where eight teams will compete for the $1 million grand prize from July 31 – August 3.
