Spartans Set to Host Tars in Weekend Matchup

Tampa, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's and women's basketball teams will face off against Rollins College on Saturday evening in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

The women's team is looking to continue their four game conference win streak, after a dominating performance against Nova Southeastern.  The Spartans won the matchup 71-45, handing the 10th ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks their first conference loss of the season, bringing the Sharks conference record to 7-1. 

The women's team kicks off the second half off their conference schedule with a doubleheader at 2:00 pm against the 8-8 Tars, who are currently 4-4 in conference play.  The Spartans currently stand at 10-8 with an identical 4-4 conference record.  RC is looking to end their two game losing streak against the recently hot Spartans. 

UT is averaging 64.4 points per game, with Juliana Cavallaro (14.1) and Elena de Alfredo (12.7) leading the way.  Angela Alvarez has been huge for the Spartans as of late, leading the team in rebounds with 6.7 per game. 

The last time these two teams faced off back in November, Rollins College defeated Tampa 68-64. 

The men's team tips off at 4:00 pm on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to Nova Southeastern after leading 42-24 at the half.  The Spartans are currently 5-12 on the season, with a 1-7 conference record.    

Pat Bacon leads the way for the Spartans with 21 points per game, while scoring 17 in the last matchup against Nova Southeastern.  Despite the loss, Austin Rettig had a great performance with 25 points and 5 rebounds.

Junior guard Matt Johnson has done a great job spreading the floor, leading the team in assists with 4.9 a game. 

Fans will be able to follow the games live with live stats and video at TampaSpartans.com

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tampaspartans), Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans), YouTube (youtube.com/utathletics) and Instagram (tampaspartans). UT also offers a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, register at www.tampaspartans.com.