Sailfish Down Spartans in Weekend Matchup

Tampa, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team was defeated by Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: Palm Beach Atlantic 85, Tampa 52

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (6-17, 3-12 SSC), Palm Beach Atlantic (16-5, 9-5 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa continues to lead the all-series with a record of 24-9. Tampa's last win against PBA was last year on February 6, 2019.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | The game started with Palm Beach Atlantic on the board first, converting on a made layup. Brent Duncan began hot for the Spartans, scoring their first three baskets. Tampa Trailed in the beginning, but a three-pointer drained by Gio Diaz tied the game. Both teams were trading buckets early on until the Sailfish started knocking down several threes which allowed them to jump to a 12-point lead. As a team, PBA hit six three-pointers in the first half. Coming off of an injury, Brendan Baker played some decent minutes and converted in a three-pointer and-one play. The leading scorer at the half for Tampa was Pat Bacon, finishing with 12 points. || PBA 42, Tampa 29

2nd Half | Opening up the second half, Duncan was the first scorer for the Spartans again, starting a 6-0 run that incorporated Martin Lakovic, as well. The Sailfish were the more dominant factor this half as their defense forced Tampa to commit 10 turnovers. Lakovic tried producing points, as he was the leading scorer in this half with six points. Freshman Carl Swensen saw the court tonight and drained a deep three-pointer to help the team. PBA did not slow down though, going on a 24-4 scoring run that gave them their biggest lead of the game, 35, along with the win for the night. || PBA 85, Tampa 52

INSIDE THE STATS:

· Pat Bacon was the leading scorer with 17 points.

· Brent Duncan was the second leading scorer with 10 points and nine rebounds.

· Gio Diaz and Brendan Baker scored seven points each, both draining two three-pointers.

· Tampa played well defensively, recording nine steals and scoring 14 points off of turnovers.

BEYOND THE BOX:

· Brendan Baker scored a season-high of seven points after being out for the last nine games.

· Pat Bacon has yet to score under double-digit figures.

· Gio Diaz earned his fifth start of the season.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel to Daytona Beach on Wednesday to compete against the Embry-Riddle Eagles. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.

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