Spartans Fall in Season Opener

FLORENCE, Ala. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team came up short in its season opener against the University of North Alabama. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 64, North Alabama 78
Records: Tampa (0-1), North Alabama (1-0)
Location: Flowers Hall | Florence, Ala.
All-time Series: Tampa trails the all-time series versus North Alabama by a 1-3 mark. 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | North Alabama got off to a hot start, scoring eight consecutive points before the Spartans were able to get on the board. Marcel Robinson and Duke Shelton were able to contribute 11 and seven points, respectively, for 18 of the Spartans 30 first half points. 

2nd Half | North Alabama added to its lead to open up the second half. Pat Bacon led all Spartan scorers with seven points while Shelton was able to grab five rebounds. North Alabama was in control of the second half behind senior Austin Timms, as he dropped 30 points and seven rebounds. 

INSIDE THE STATS:
• Reigning SSC Freshman of the Year Bacon recorded 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.

• The North Alabama bench contributed 30 points to Tampa's 18. 

• The Spartan's were 25-61 from the field and 5-20 from beyond the arc while their opponent was 29-72 and 8-17, respectively.

• Tampa was able to force 14 turnovers while the Lion's tallied 23. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
• Tampa opens with a pair of South Region games against the Gulf South Conference schools for the third straight year. 

• Three Spartans made their debut, including transfer Grant Bryant and freshmen Mekhi Biffleand Alberto Moreno.

• Freddy Ibrahim made his first career start at point guard after playing 26 games as a reserve last season.

UP NEXT:

The Spartans conclude the UNA Tip-Off Classic Sunday against Alabama-Huntsville at 1:00 pm. 

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