Spartans Drop Home Opener to Lions

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans dropped their 2021 home opener to the St. Leo University Lions in a Saturday night rematch of Wednesday's season opener, 67-54.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Saint Leo University Lions 67, University of Tampa Spartans 54.

Records: Tampa (1-1), Saint Leo (1-1).

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center| Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series 61-24.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

Senior Martin Lakovic started off hot, scoring five of the Spartans first seven points and added four rebounds. The Lions answered with a 6-0 run to take a 10-7 lead with 13:15 left in the first half. In a game of scoring runs, the Lions would continue their rapid pace with another 21-9 run over the next seven minutes. The Lions led the Spartans 31-16 with 5:33 left to play. Despite a furious answer from Freshman Max Jones, who scored 15 points on 6-7 shooting, the Spartans trailed 35-26 with just under 3:30 to play.  Jones also played all 20 minutes of the first half and finished the half with 18 points on 7-9 shooting, including 2-4 from beyond the arc. The Lions led 38-31 at the half.

SECOND HALF

Martin Lakovic once again answered the Lions opening scoring punch with a layup to cut the Lions lead to 11, who led 44-33 with 17:46 left in the second half. Junior Mykah Brown chipped in seven points in the second half and shot 2-2 from the line. Despite winning the turnover battle, blocking more shots, and securing a few more steals than the Lions, the Spartans effort proved shallow as the Lions finished ahead. The Lions bench outscored the Spartans 23-8 which proved to be the difference.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Max Jones continued his strong scoring start to the season, scoring 22 points on 8-14 shooting. He also nabbed four steals, recorded two assists, and played all 40 minutes.
• Martin Lakovic pitched in a complete effort on both sides of the floor, scoring 11 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and adding five blocks.
• UT registered seven blocks on the game and led both teams.
• UT's fast hands paved the way for a game high 10 steals.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Max Jones has now scored 20 plus points in back-to-back games.
• UT has recorded 10 or more steals in back-to-back games.

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel to Palm Beach Atlantic for a Wednesday night matchup in West Palm Beach, Fla. The game is set to tip-off at 6:00 p.m.

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