Spartans Nearly Run Away With the Upset From #5 Mocs

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans wrapped up the 2019-2020 home schedule as they welcomed in the fifth-ranked Florida Southern College Moccasins in the Bob Martinez Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: #5 Florida Southern 90, Tampa Spartans 89

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (7-20, 4-15 SSC), Florida Southern Mocs (25-2, 17-2 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-time Series: Florida Southern still holds a significant margin in the all-time series between the two squads as they lead with an overall record of 42-74.

How it Happened:

1st Half:

The Mocs entered tonight's matchup riding a 12-game win streak, however the Spartans started the game off hot as they raced out to an early 9-3 lead over the Mocs. The first half of play was a high scoring affair as both teams shot the ball well and limited their turnovers. Tampa shot an impressive 59.4 percent, led by a combined 38 points from Pat Bacon and Brent Duncan, who each had 19 points in the first half. The Spartans also handled Florida Southern in the rebounding battle as they outrebounded Southern by nine. || 51-45 UT

2nd Half:

The second half was no different from the first as both teams continued to exchange blows. Florida Southern slowly narrowed the margin in the opening minutes of the half, but two big threes by Brendan Baker were able to swing the momentum back to the Spartans' side. Point guard Gio Diaz was able to continue the hot shooting from deep as he drilled his second three of the afternoon, which gave Tampa a 76-74 lead with just under seven minutes left in regulation. With just over one-minute remaining in the game, senior Pat Bacon hit a clutch jumper to tie the game at 85-85 and give him 29 points. Following a Florida Southern basket on the other end, Bacon went back down the floor and finished a tough reverse layup at the basket to put the Spartans down by one. With the game on the line, Martin Lakovic stepped up and delivered a huge block to keep the Spartans within one possession. Despite their efforts, Tampa came up short in a shootout that was down to the wire. || 90-89 FSC

INSIDE THE STATS:

· Pat Bacon led Tampa in scoring as he finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

· Brent Duncan finished the game with a rebound shy of a double-double as he had 21 points and 9 rebounds.

· Derrick Felder led the way with 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

· Martin Lakovic finished with a double-double scoring 12 points, and 13 rebounds.

UP NEXT: Tampa will head to Boca Raton, Florida to play their final regular season game against Lynn University on Saturday, February 29 at 4 p.m.

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