Spartans Set To Host Panthers In SSC Opener
November 17, 2015

Spartans Set To Host Panthers In SSC Opener

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa basketball programs are set to host their first Sunshine State Conference game of the season. Both the men and women's team welcome in the Florida Tech Panthers on Wednesday into the Bob Martinez Athletic Center.

The 20th ranked women's team will kick off the double header as the host the Panthers at 5:30. The Spartans are coming off a 1-1 opening weekend, as they defeated West Florida 77-52 and fell to 13th ranked Union 59-56. Florida Tech enters the contest 1-0 as they defeated Claflin 59-51.

Leading the way early on for the Spartans are Juliana Cavallaro and Elena de Alfredo. Cavallaro is averaging 16.5 points and six rebounds per game while de Alfredo is averaging 12.5 points and 5.5 assists per game. On the boards, Taylor McVey is averaging six rebounds per game while Karma Jeremie is averaging 5.5 rebounds per game.

Tampa leads the all-time series with Florida Tech 34-32, as they went 2-1 against FIT last season. In their last meeting, UT won the matchup in the opening round of the 2015 SSC Tournament.

On the men's side, Tampa will conclude the doubleheader with the Panthers at 7:30. UT comes into the matchup with a 1-1 record as they fell to No. 12 Alabama Huntsville and defeated North Alabama. FIT enter the game with a 2-0 record, as they recorded wins against Clark Atlanta and Paine.

Freshman Pat Bacon is coming off a strong performance against UNA, as the guard picked up 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Newcomer Zach Hollis also recorded the team's first double-double of the year, as he scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Matt Johnson is leading the team in assists, as the junior is averaging six per game.

UT leads the all-time series with FIT 50-22, with Tampa winning both contests last year.

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