Spartans Fall To Defending Champs

LAKELAND, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans traveled to Lakeland to take on the defending National Champions Florida Southern College Mocs. FSC used an impressive second half to take a 93-75 victory. With the loss Tampa falls to 4-8 and 0-4 in Sunshine State Conference play. Florida Southern moves to 7-7 and 3-2 in conference play.

Pat Bacon lead Tampa with 19 points, while Duke Shelton added 14 points. Shelton also pulled down 13 rebounds on the night. Austin Rettig also contributed with 13 points.

Florida Southern started the game off with a 9-3 run before Tampa was able to settle into the game. The Spartans were able to settle down and trade blows with the defending national champions. At the four-minute mark, UT was able to pull within two points before FSC was able to pull away for a seven point lead heading into the half at 40-33.

The two teams were evenly matched offensively as Tampa shot 40.5 percent (15-37) while Florida Southern shot 40.6 percent (13-32). The big difference between the two teams came from beyond the arc, as the Spartans only made one shot from long range, while the Mocs made six.

Shelton and Bacon each recorded 10 points, as Shelton recorded 11 rebounds in the first 20 minutes of play.

FSC opened the second half firing on all cylinders as they raced ahead to a 52-35 lead just four minutes into the half. The Mocs continued their high pace as they shot 51.2 percent (21-41) for the half, including 8-18 from beyond the arc. FSC outscored UT 53-42 in the half. 

UT will be in action again on Wednesday as they host the Barry Buccaneers in the Martinez Center.

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