Spartans to Welcome Buccaneers for Late Regular Season Contests
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's basketball teams are back in action at home this Saturday, February 22, against the Barry University Buccaneers.
WOMEN'S:
The Matchup: No. 13 University of Tampa Spartans (20-3, 17-0 SSC) vs. Barry University Buccaneers (8-16, 5-12 SSC)
Date/Time: Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 pm.
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Series History: UT has a good handle on the all-time series, leading Barry 49-25. Tampa is on a three game win streak against the Buccaneers, and the Spartans are 27-9 while at home against Barry. Tampa has won seven of the last ten meetings between the two teams, and their last game resulted in a 62-51 win for the Spartans while on the road earlier this season on January 11.
Last Time Out: Tampa played Florida Tech this last Wednesday, dominating the Panthers with a final score of 83-55. This last contest was the second time this season they have scored over 80 points, and both Dori Nagy and LaShayla Wright-Ponder recorded double-doubles. The Spartans had an all around great performance, as a total of five players scored in double figures, and as a team, they shot 56.9% from the field while holding Tech to just 33.3%.
About the Spartans (Women): The Tampa Spartans have been undefeated since early December, 2019, and they are in the midst of their longest win streak in program history. Tampa has kept their spot at the number three team in the nation in field-goal percentage, and they have been playing clean games allowing them to take the fifth spot in the nation for fewest fouls committed. Nagy has cracked the top 50 in average rebounds per game and double-doubles amongst all Division 2 women's basketball players. Wright-Ponder has also held her ground, remaining in the top 20 with her field goal percentage of 57.9%.
About the Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are on a one game win streak as their last game resulted in victory over Florida National, 87-68, this last Wednesday. Prior to that contest, Barry lost on the road at Rollins with a score of 64-53. Harriet Swindells leads the team with an average of 15.3 points per game, and Emma Hergot leads with team in rebounds with an average of 7.1 per game. Swindells ranks in the top 30 in the nation in three-point field goals per game, with an average of 2.88. Barry ranks second to last in the conference.
MEN'S:
The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (7-18, 4-13 SSC) vs. Barry University Buccaneers (17-7, 11-6 SSC)
Date/Time: Saturday, February 22th at 4:00 pm.
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Series History: The Spartans have a winning history against the Buccaneers, but Barry is beginning to gain on the all-time series. The all-time series remains at 44-30 in favor of Tampa, however the Spartans have lost the last three contests to the Buccaneers, and Tampa is 4-6 in the last 10 meetings. While at home, the Spartans are 28-11 against Barry.
Last Time Out: This past week, Tampa broke a four game losing streak with a win over Florida Tech at home. Derrick Felder led the game in scoring with 23 points, Brent Duncan achieved a career high 16 rebounds, and Martin Lakovic recorded a double-double in the game. Despite a back and forth first half, the Spartans went on a 9-0 run in the second half which would prove to be too much for the Panthers, as they were unable to cut the deficit for the rest of the game. This last game was the first of the season played without standout Pat Bacon.
About the Spartans (Men): The Spartans are coming off a 59-51 win against Florida Tech and remain in contention for the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, just two games behind the Lynn University Fighting Knights. Despite a tough season, Felder, Duncan, and Lakovic have come alive as they continue to fight for a chance at the post season.
About the Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are ranked fourth in the conference, and they are coming off a win against Rollins on the road this last week. Tylan Birts leads the way for the Buccaneers with an average of 19.1 points per game. He also leads the team in rebounds with an average of 8.7 per game. Birts is a dominating force for Barry, as he ranks in the top 20 in the country in field-goal percentage with his 60.2%.
Tickets: General admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. UT students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid Spartan ID.
Watch Live: Fans may watch the game through TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are available through TampaStats.com.
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Text Alerts: UT also offers a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.
Front Row: Download the official app of UT Athletics on the Apple or Android store. Look for Tampa Spartans Front Row app to receive notifications from your favorite Spartan teams. The app is completely free.