Panthers Out-Run Spartans

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Florida Tech Panthers 64 Tampa Spartans 60
Records: Tampa (8-14, 4-12 SSC), Florida Tech (11-12, 6-9 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series record over the Panthers 52-26. 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The Spartans started the game hot by winning the jump followed by a Marcel Robinson layup. After the first media timeout, Tampa was ahead 8-5, and was able to maintain a lead. The Spartans kept their momentum after sinking two back-to-back three pointers by Anthony Gamble and Pat Bacon in the 10^th minute. Duke Shelton sparked the offense with an impressive dunk in the third minute followed by Robinson with a shot beyond the arc. UT was able to hold Florida Tech for the remainder of the half. Heading into the locker room, the Spartans led the Panthers 34-26. Pat took home the Bacon this half leading with 10 points. Shelton held down the court on the defensive end recording eight rebounds.

2nd Half | Florida Tech was first on the scoreboard with two made foul shots. Although, Tampa quickly bounced back with a steal and dunk by Mekhi Biffle. Immediately after, Robinson followed with a steal and dunk of his own. With ten minutes remaining in the game, the Spartans held a nine-point lead, but were unable to hold on. For the first time in the matchup, Florida Tech got on top with a layup. With two minutes left, FIT led UT 60-55. Gamble tied it back up with a three-point jumper in the last minute and a half. Florida Tech got ahead again with a layup making it a two point game. The Spartans were unable to avenge the Panthers as the clock ran out. In the end, Florida Tech defeated Tampa by a final score of 64-60. Bacon led offensively with 18 points and five assists, while Shelton led the defense with 10 rebounds.

 INSIDE THE STATS:

• Bacon led the offense scoring 18 points and five assists.
• Shelton led the defense with 10 rebounds.
• As a team, Tampa shot 73% from the line.

UP NEXT:
Tampa will hit the road to face off against the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. following the women's matchup at 5:30 p.m.