Tampa Routs North Alabama for First Victory

SAINT LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team (1-1) defeated the University of North Alabama Lions (0-2) 78-63 Saturday in the second day of the Saint Leo Tournament. The win marks the Spartans first one of the 2015-16 season.

In the first half, the Spartans dominated play right from tip off to the end of the half and outscored the Lions 41-19. The Spartans shot 15 of 26 from the field converting three three point field goals, while the Lions shot a merely 6 of 31 from the field converting 1 of 8 three point attempts. Pat Bacon led the Spartans in scoring in the first half with 11 points.

In second half action, the Spartans toughest battle came against foul trouble. Halfway through the second half five Tampa players had already recorded three fouls each. Five Spartans players finished with four fouls each, three of them being starters.

Matt Johnson and Pat Bacon did their best to avoid foul trouble, being on the court for a combined 59 minutes, dishing out a combined 11 assists, and both playing the role of floor general well. 

Zach Hollis shined for the Spartans, recording his first double double of the season. Hollis, while only playing 28 minutes, still managed to score 11 points and clean up 11 rebounds. Pat Bacon also came up big for the Spartans, recording 20 points and five assists while playing 33 minutes.

Austin Rettig shot well for Tampa, scoring 19 points and converting fours three point field goals. Four Spartans players (Bacon, Rettig, Hollis, and Shelton) recorded double digit point performances, combing for 61 of the Spartans 78 points.

Tampa will be back in action Wednesday November 18th where they face off against the Florida Tech Panthers in their home opener. The game will tip off at 7:30 P.M. in the Bob Martinez Center and will be available for live stream.

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