Quick Start Propels Eagles Past Spartans

TAMPA, Fla. - In the first meeting between the University of Tampa (3-4) and provisional Sunshine State Conference oppoinent Embry-Riddle University (5-0) since the 1996-97 season, the visiting Eagles came away with a 92-79 victory.

Embry-Riddle connected on a 3-point basket in each of its first four possessions and led 19-2 less that four minutes into the game.

The Spartans would battle back in the opening half, cutting the deficit to eight points with under a inute to play in the half. The Eagles would answer with their seventh 3-pointer of the half on the following possession to take a 44-33 lead to the break.

Tampa would stay within striking distance in the second half, but was unable to get within single digits. The Eagles connected on five long-range shots in the second half and also made 9-of-10 free throws to seal the victory.

Austin Rettig led all Spartans with 22 points and 11 rebounds, marking the second double-double of the season for the junior swingman.

Freshman Pat Bacon added 21 points and was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Marcel Robinson chipped in 17 points on 4-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Bacon also led UT with seven assists.

The Spartans will head to St. Petersburg, Fla., on Saturday for a 4 p.m., matchup at Sunshine State Conference opponent Eckerd College.

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