Spartans Outrun Greyhounds

TAMPA, Fla. – After falling in double overtime last night, the University of Tampa Spartans bounced back to defeat the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds 80-69. With the victory, UT now sits at 4-7, while ENMU falls to 3-8.

The Spartans shot 50 percent from the field (27-54) and 42.1 percent (8-19) from beyond the arc. The Spartans also distributed the ball as they recorded 15 assists on the night.

UT used a balance effort as four players scored in double figures. Pat Bacon led the way with 18 points. Austin Rettig finished with 14 points, while Marcel Robinson and Darien McClain each added 13 points. McClain's 13 points are a career high, as the added three three-pointers.

The Spartans jumped out to an early lead as they finished the first half leading the Greyhounds 45-32. UT would lead by as many as 20 points in the opening frame, as they shot 51.9 percent (14-27) from the field. Tampa also shot well from beyond the arc, as they were 50 percent (5-10) from three-point range.

The Spartan defense was also tough as they held the Greyhounds to just 38.2 percent (13-34) from the field. Tampa used a team effort in the opening stanza as they were able to pick up 10 first half assists, compared to just three for Eastern New Mexico. 

Bacon and Robinson led the charge in the half as they scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Johnson also contributed in the point guard role as he dished out four assists.

ENMU started the second half firing on all cylinders as they shot 8 of 12 to start the half as they pulled within five points with 12:42 left to play in the contest. The Greyhounds would not get closer than that, as the Spartans would hit clutch shots down the stretch. At the 2:22 mark, Jaylen Taylor would put the nail in the coffin as he threw down a monstrous dunk. 

The Spartan bench also played a key role, as they outscored the Greyhounds bench 35-24.