Spartans Prepare for Sailfish

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's, women's basketball programs welcome Palm Beach Atlantic to the Martinez Athletics Center on Wednesday evening. The women will look to rebound after a tough conference loss as tip off is scheduled for 5:30pm, while the men will begin shortly after game one. 

WOMEN'S:

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (8-4, 2-2 SSC) vs. Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish (2-7, 0-3 SSC)

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 2 at 5:30 pm. 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: Tampa has dominated this series 22-3, as the Spartans hold a four-game winning streak. UT is 12-1 against PBA at the Martinez Athletics Center.

Last Time Out: Dori Nagy registered 11 points in the first quarter, totaling a career-high 19 points in the game, however the Spartans were unable to limit the three-pointers from Embry-Riddle. The Eagles secured a 67-58 victory over UT, as Tampa dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season. Staja Tyghter filled the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Despite UT shooting 54.5% from the field, Embry-Riddle drained 12 three-pointers on 36 attempts to pull away in the second half. Tampa recorded only 26 rebounds, the fewest in a game this season, as they average 37 rebounds per game. 

About the Spartans (Women): The Spartans are holding opponents to 52.3 points per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Tyghter has scored in double-figures in 11 straight games, while she's grabbed at least seven rebounds in nine games this season. Nagy is tied for 50th in the nation with 105 rebounds, as shes accumulated at least 10 rebounds in five games. The Spartans are 12-3 in their last 15 games at the Martinez Athletics Center. Head coach Tom Jessee is two wins away from 500 career victories. 

About the Sailfish (Women): Palm Beach Atlantic is coming off a 66-61 victory over Florida National last Saturday. Six players finished with eight points or more, as Aniyah Ross was the key player for the Sailfish. Ross, a junior from Orlando, scored 14 points while racking up 15 rebounds. Jonika Garvin leads the team with 14.9 points per game, as she's scored in double-figures in every game this season. PBA has faced three Top-25 opponents this season, as they took down No. 23 Valdosta State on November 19.

MEN'S:

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (8-4, 2-2 SSC) vs. Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish (4-7, 0-3 SSC)

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 2 at 7:30 pm. 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: The Spartans hold a 23-6 advantage over the Sailfish. PBA defeated UT 103-93 in last season's road matchup. 

Last Time Out: Tampa picked up their fourth straight win on Saturday when they defeated Embry-Riddle 85-73 in Daytona Beach. Anthony Gamble continued to lead the way for UT as he posted 25 points, six rebounds and three steals. Vincent Biffle registered his third double-double of the season, logging 21 points and 10 rebounds. Biffle, a junior from Indianapolis, found success at the free-throw line converting 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. Cedric Belemene played a key role, grabbing nine rebounds while scoring 10 points. 

About the Spartans (Men): The Spartans ride the momentum into the new year, winning the last four games by an average margin of 22 points. The last time UT won four straight was back in 2016-17. Gamble is the team's leading scorer at 17.2 points per game, as Belemene leads the way with 8.8 rebounds per game. Alberto Moreno controls the offense for Tampa as he averages 12.6 points per game, and leads the team with 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game. 

About the Sailfish (Men): Palm Beach Atlantic is on a three-game winning streak, coming off an 84-73 victory over Caldwell on December 16. De'Ondre Jackson rattled off 26 points in 29 minutes, as he shot 10-of-18 from the field. PBA received 39 points from the bench in the non-conference matchup. Jules Jasmin leads the team in points (15.3) and rebounds (5.9), while Andrew Moemeka is second in rebounds (4.7) and third in points (8.6). 

Tickets: General admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. UT students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid Spartan ID.

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