Spartans Gear Up For Basketball Doubleheader
TAMPA, Fla.- The University of Tampa men's and women's basketball teams will take on Nova Southeastern University this Saturday at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.
The pair of Sunshine State Conference (SSC) contests will begin and 2 p.m., starting with the women. Tampa (11-5, 5-2 SSC) has won three straight after topping Florida Southern by a score of 72-62 on Wednesday. UT has also defeated Eckerd and Lynn during the streak. Shamika Williams led the Spartans with 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Mocs.
Taylor McVey is the team's leading scorer averaging 12.3 points per game, while grabbing 7.9 rebounds per matchup.
Nova Southeastern (15-0, 6-0), the No. 3-ranked team in the nation brings an undefeated record, though the past three victories have come by single digits. The Sharks are coming off an 80-71 road victory at Florida Tech. Taylor Buie scored 21 points as Richelle Carach added 19 points and 10 boards. The squad is led by Buie averaging 16.8 PPG.
The Spartans have a 20-7 lead in the all-time series, but NSU won both contests last season. Overall, the Sharks have won four straight meetings versus Tampa.
On the men's side, tipoff is set for 4 p.m. Tampa (11-5, 4-3 SSC) is coming off a double overtime loss on the road against unbeaten and No. 2 Florida Southern College. The Spartans gave the Mocs their toughest scare of the season as a total of six Spartans scored in double figures. Vincent Cornu had a team-high 17 points to go with 11 rebounds.
Senior Da'Markco Foster heads the team with 15.6 PPG, while Jordan Davis and Eric Moraes contribute 11.7 and 11.4 points per game respectively.
Coming off a 97-86 loss at Florida Tech on Wednesday, NSU (6-11, 3-3 SSC) has won two of its last three games with victories against SSC opponents Barry and Rollins. Brian Cahill scored 21 points to lead the Sharks on Wednesday.Brian Cahill leads the team with 14.1 PPG.
The Spartans own a 15-11 advantage in the all-time series, though the Sharks bested UT in both meetings last season. NSU has won two straight games at the Martinez Center.
Tickets are available at the gate for $5. Children 12-and-under will be admitted free. UT faculty, staff and students are admitted free when displaying a valid Spartan ID card.
UT will offer live stats and a webcast for the match through TampaSpartans.tv.
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