Lions Top Spartans in Midweek Matchup

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's basketball team faced off against the Saint Leo Lions Wednesday night, resulting in a tough loss.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Saint Leo 71, Tampa 46

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (6-16, 3-11 SSC), Saint Leo Lions (14-8, 8-6 SSC)

Location: Tampa, Fla || Martinez Athletic Center

All-Time Series: Tampa now leads the all-time series 60-24. The Lions have won the last five games.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half || The Spartans started the game off strong and advanced to an early 15-6 lead. The nine point lead was reversed with 10:39 left in the half. Saint Leo ended the half on a 31-8 scoring run, allowing them to take their first lead of the game, 18-16, with 8:03 remaining. The Lion's scoring success was supplemented by the Spartans' foul-trouble. Tampa had 13 personal fouls in the half, with five players picking-up at least two fouls. In return, the Lions made 13 of 14 free throws in the first half alone. Pat Bacon led the Spartans by scoring nine points (3-8 FG) in the first twenty minutes. Saint Leo's Kyran McClure led both teams with 15 points (2-6 FG).

2nd Half || The second half started the way the first half ended. With 10:33 in the half, the Lions extended their lead to 57-32 on a jumper by #1 Isaiah Hill. The Spartans were unable to comeback from the 25 point deficit. The Lions were able to outscore the Spartans, despite having nearly identical field goal percentages. Saint Leo's Gintaras Bartaskas made three of four three-pointers in the second half despite shooting 0-1 in the first. UT guard Derrick Felder missed most of the second half due to an apparent head injury. Kyran McClure led all scorers with 20 points in the contest.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa had zero points from bench players in the first half.

• Tampa out-rebounded Saint Leo in the first half 21-13.

• Each team made only two three-pointers in the first half (Saint Leo had six in the second).

• Khadim Gueye was the only player to have double-digit rebounds with 11.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Since January 11th, the Spartans have a pattern of losing two games, then winning.

• The Lions won their first game since January 22nd.

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