Spartans Hold Off Comeback Effort From Panthers

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans, in control for most of their game against the Florida Tech University Panthers, held off a late rally to earn their second win of the season, defeating the Panthers 74-69.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: University of Tampa Spartans 74, Florida Tech Panthers 69.

Records: Tampa (2-2), Florida Tech (0-3).

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series 55-27.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

Freshman Max Jones' scoring ways have become all but habit as he opened the game for the Spartans with a layup and mid-range jumper. The Spartans and Panthers played an early game of back-and-forth basketball, 10-9 Panthers with 14:45 to go in the first. Seniors Derrick Felder and Khadim Gueye made strong contributions early to maintain the Spartans' early lead. Felder pitched in four assists and two rebounds and Gueye logged four points and three rebounds, two of those offensive boards. The Spartans earned a double-digit lead off a made three-point basket by Senior Martin Lakovic to make the lead 27-17 Tampa with 6:21 left in the first. Jones was nearly perfect in the opening half, going 4-5 to lead the Spartans with nine points. The Panthers went on an 8-4 run with just over four minutes left to claw their way back. Senior Jonathan Bryant II was a perfect 6-6 from the line and the second leading scorer with 8 points.  Score at the half: UT 33, FT 29.

SECOND HALF

Lakovic's layup to open the second half sent the Spartans marching en route to an 8-2 run that extended their lead, 39-31 with 17:25 to play. Felder continued his rebounding and playmaking efforts, adding two more rebounds and three assists in the first 10 minutes of the second half, giving him six and eight, respectively. The Spartans stayed in control going on another run, 9-0, to take a commanding 56-38 lead with 9:27 to go in the second frame. Lakovic grabbed his 10^th rebound with just under four minutes left to notch a double-double. Bryant finished the game with 20 points scored on 5-6 shooting, going 10-12 from the line, and added four rebounds. Jones added 16 points on 7-12 shooting in the Spartans home win.

INSIDE THE STATS

• UT had three players score 15 or more points: Martin Lakovic (15), Max Jones (16), Jonathan Bryant II (20).
• Bryant scored 20 points and shot a near perfect 10-12 from the line.
• Derrick Felder was on triple-double watch late in the second half and finished just shy with seven points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. He also added a steal, a block, and played 39/40 minutes in the all-around effort. 
• Mykah Brown added 8 points and 4 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX. 

•  UT led both teams in steals and blocks for the fourth straight game.
• Max Jones has now scored 15 or more points in four straight games.
• Martin Lakovic notched his first double-double of the season. 

UP NEXT: Tampa is on the road to Lakeland, Fla. for a Wednesday evening tip-off with the Florida Southern Mocs at 5:00 p.m.

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