Spartan Duo Named SSC Players of the Week
Pat Bacon and Duke Shelton play major part in pair of Spartan victories.
MELBOURNE, Fla. - Following a pair of overtime victories against NCAA South Region opponents, University of Tampa basketball players Pat Bacon and Duke Shelton swept the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week awards, as announced Monday by the league office.
Bacon is awarded Player of the Week for the second time in his career following a pair of Tampa wins over south region opponents. In the season opener against the University of North Alabama, Bacon led all scorers with 27 points. He added five rebounds, two steals, and two assists to his stat sheet during the Spartans 90-81 overtime victory. The Indianapolis, Indiana native then scored 30 points in Tampa's 102-96 OT victory against the University of Alabama - Huntsville the next day. Bacon shot 18-for-18 from the line in the victory while also providing UT with six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He becomes the first Spartan since 1961 (George Shary) to make 18 free throws in a game. For the week, Bacon scored 57 points by shooting 54% from the field (15-28) and 84% from the free throw line (27-32) in 86 minutes on the court.
Shelton is named Defensive Player of the Week following two double-doubles and 25 defensive rebounds in two Tampa wins. In the season opener against the University of North Alabama, Shelton tallied 16 rebounds (14 defensive) and 11 points as the Spartans won 90-81 in overtime. The Ocala, Florida native then led all players with 31 points and 16 rebounds (11 defensive) in Tampa's 102-96 OT victory against the University of Alabama - Huntsville. Shelton also provided the Spartans with five blocks and a steal in the win. The weekly honor is the third of his career.
Athletes of the Week are chosen from a pool of nominees for their performances during the week of November 6 - 12, 2017. Athletes are nominated by Sports Information Directors of member institutions.