Tampa Hangs With No. 16 Alabama-Huntsville Before Falling

MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Tampa men's basketball failed to make a late-run comeback against No. 16 University of Alabama-Huntsville.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final Score: Alabama-Huntsville 75, Tampa 68
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (0-2), University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers (2-0)
Location: McChesney Student Activity Center || Montevallo, Ala. 
All-Time Series: Tampa is now tied with Alabama-Huntsville is the series history at 4-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The Spartans defense showed up early as they forced Huntsville to commit five quick turnovers. The first score of the game came from senior Pat Bacon. Bacon helped the Spartans maintain their led for majority of the half as he contributed in both big shots and rebounds. He finished the half with 10 points and four rebounds. Tampa's defense stayed on point as they forced the Chargers to commit a total of nine turnover in the first half. However, foul trouble for the Spartans resulted in Alabama-Huntsville gaining its first led of the game. The half ended with the Chargers up 29-24.

2nd Half | Martin Lakovic knocked down the first basket for the Spartans to open up the half. Bacon kept his hot shooting going as he drained a deep three to keep the Spartans in the game. He dropped another 12 points in the second half as well. Vincent Biffle, who shot greater than 60 percent from both the line and the field, contributed as much as he could for Tampa. Jonathan Bryant went on a roll as well as he scored 14 points in the second half. The chargers knocked down some big threes that help them closed out the game 75-68.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Three Spartans finished in double-digits Pat Bacon (22), Vincent Biffle (18), and Jonathan Bryant (18).
• Pat Bacon was the leading scorer with 22 points, six rebounds, and one blocks.
• Vincent Biffle showed up on defense as he swiped the ball three times to go along with his 18 points.
• Tampa as a team forced Alabama-Huntsville to commit a total of 19 turnovers.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Pat Bacon has scored in double-digits figures for the second game in a row.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa men's basketball team will travel to Saint Leo to participate in the Saint Leo Crossover Classic. Their first game will tip-off at 12:00 PM against Flagler College.

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