Montevallo Edges Spartans in Season Opener

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team fell short in its season opener against the University of Montevallo in a matchup of South Region opponents on Saturday.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final Score: Montevallo 72, Tampa 64
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (0-1), University of Montevallo Falcons (1-0)
Location: McChesney Student Activity Center || Montevallo, Ala. 
All-Time Series: After playing Montevallo for the second time in history, they are now tied at 1-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | Tampa opened up the game with an and-one from transfer Martin Lakovic. Their next basket came from a deep three by Lakovic at the top of the key. Pat Bacon, Tampa's leading guard, came back down the court to knock down another three for the Spartans. Jonathan Bryant contributed early as he drained a three-pointer from the wing and an elbow jumper in consecutive plays. Montevallo went on a late-half eight-point run that pushed them to a 12-point lead. Bacon broke that run with a jumper for his 13^th point of the half. Derrick Felder hit a big-time shot that put the Spartans with single digits to end the first half, 36-29.

2nd Half | Bryant started the second half converting on an and-one play for the Spartans. Montevallo's forward Wade Lowman continued to be a struggle for Tampa has he slammed in a dunk for his 20^th point of the game early in the half. Vincent Biffle gave the Spartans their first lead of the game after converting an and-one play. Bacon stayed hot as he dropped eight points in the second half. However, Montevallo continued to press forward as they finished the game on top.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Pat Bacon led the Spartans with 21 points, three assists, two steals, and four rebounds.
• Tennessee-Chattanooga transfer Jonathan Bryant was the second-leading scorer with 10 points, two blocks, and six rebounds.
• Three Spartans finished with eight points Martin Lakovic, Brent Duncan, and Vincent Biffle.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Both Pat Bacon and Vincent Biffle are looking to make a comeback this season from last seasons injuries.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa men's basketball team will return the McChesney Student Activity Center to play in its second game of SSC/GSC crossover classic against Alabama-Huntsville at 12:00 p.m.

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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