Spartans Defeated by Gorillas in Close Battle

Final: Tampa 78, Pittsburg State 86
Records: Tampa (2-3), Pittsburg State (5-1)
Location: McArthur Center | St. Petersburg, Fla.
All-time Series: This was the first meeting between Tampa and Pittsburg State, the record now stands at 0-1.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The Spartans started strong as they went on a six point run to open the first half of the game. Pittsburg State then retaliated with a run of their own as they tied the game at 8-8 with 16 minutes left in the half. The Gorillas would eventually take the lead as they made back-to-back baskets creating a five point spread. Marcel Robinson ended the run after he drained a three pointer from beyond the arc. Mekhi Biffle would bring the Spartans within two points after sinking a three pointer of his own. Pat Bacon followed the trend and made a deep three pointer assisted by Alberto Moreno, making the score 23-21 Pittsburg States favor. Pittsburg State kept the Spartans at a three point distance for nearly seven minutes until senior Frantz Pinard tied the game after a deep three pointer assisted from Bacon. The Gorillas managed to obtain the lead again as they led 39-31 heading into halftime. 

2nd Half |  Pittsburg State hit the board first on a layup, extending their lead over the Spartans to 10 points. The Gorillas continued their offensive stint when they made back-to-back dunks, making the score 45-31. Malik Tunc recorded his first points as a Spartan after hitting a three pointer assisted by Anthony Gamble. Brendan Baker scored his first points of the season on a three pointer from the corner, making the score 54-44. The Spartans offense ignited as they came within five points of the Gorillas, 56-51, with 10 minutes left in the half. After a number of Tampa fouls, Pittsburg State increased their lead once again. The Gorillas were leading by as many as 11 until Tunc sparked the offense with a pair of three pointers that would bring the Spartans within four points. Despite a valiant effort by the Spartans, the Gorillas hung on to the lead and went on to win 86-78.        

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Bacon led all Spartans with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
• Pinard led the team defensively with 7 rebounds.
• Robinson was the second leading point scorer with 17 points, two rebounds, and two blocks.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Pinard recorded a career high 11 points against the Gorillas
• Tunc notched a career high seven points against the Gorillas
• Baker tallied a career high three points against the Gorillas

UP NEXT:
Tampa returns to action Saturday November 25^th when they travel to St. Petersburg to take on Keiser at 5:30 p.m. Live stats will be available through TampaStats.com.

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