TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men’s, women’s basketball programs look to rebound at home on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Embry-Riddle to campus. The University of Tampa is joining the fight against cancer in this year’s Coaches Vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge, benefitting the American Cancer Society. For more information on the three-point challenge, click here; if you would like to help support the campaign, head to https://pledgeit.org/cvc19-tampa.

WOMEN’S:

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (14-6, 8-4 SSC) vs. Embry-Riddle Eagles (12-7, 7-5 SSC)

Date/Time: Saturday, February 2 at 2:00 pm. 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: The Spartans trail in the series, 4-3; Tampa has lost the last two meetings against Embry-Riddle. Tampa dropped the first match of the season, 67-58, as UT could not overcome the first half deficit. Dori Nagy posted her career-high 19 points at Embry-Riddle, on December 29.

Last Time Out: Tampa fell to No. 13 Florida Southern, 59-44, on Wednesday night. The Spartans were held to 18 points in the first half and failed to rally in the second half. Dori Nagy led the team with 12 points and eight rebounds, however the sophomore committed six turnovers in 31 minutes of play. Emily Eshoo drained multiple three-pointers in the contest, and she’s hit at least one three-pointer in 16 games. Freshman Melijah Sullivan recorded eight points and grabbed five rebounds.

About the Spartans (Women): UT is in a three-way tie for second place, with Eckerd and Nova Southeastern, in the Sunshine State Conference. Tampa has only lost two games at home this season, posting a 9-2 record so far. Staja Tyghter leads the team in scoring, as she’s logged double-figures in 17 games. Nagy has scored in double-digits in 13 of their last 15 games. The duo sits atop the Sunshine State Conference in the rebounding category. The Spartans have two rebounders averaging over 8.5 rebounds per game for the first time since 2005-2006 (Erica Woodard 10.0, Sheena Walton: 8.6). Eshoo leads the SSC in free-throw percentage, converting at 86% from the charity stripe. 

About the Eagles (Women): Embry-Riddle snapped a two-game losing streak on Wednesday night as they topped Rollins, 71-66. The Eagles recieved some un-expected contribution as Morgan Ackermann came off the bench and scored 18 points against the Tars. Sarah Jones tallied 21 points, converting 5-of-7 at the free-throw line. Embry-Riddle’s leading scorer, Nikki Tucker, posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Tucker averages 14.6 points per game, while accumulating 6.1 rebounds per game. 

MEN’S:

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (9-11, 3-9 SSC) vs. Embry-Riddle Eagles (10-13, 3-9 SSC)

Date/Time: Saturday, February 2 at 4:00 pm. 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. | 400 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: Tampa leads the series 7-3, and the Spartans have won the last three games. Additionally, UT owns a 5-1 record at the Martinez Center. On December 29, Tampa defeated Embry-Riddle, 85-73. Vincent Biffle filled up the stat sheet with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Gamble posted a game-high 25 points. 

Last Time Out: Tampa welcomed Florida Southern to the Martinez Center on Wednedsay night, and UT battled throughout the first half, but UT lost to the Moccasins 88-71. Devon Colley logged his season-high 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field. Marco Downer tied his career-high with five blocks and Anthony Gamble drained a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. The Spartans exceeded their season average from the charity stripe, converting 22-of-28 (78.6%).

About the Spartans (Men): Tampa will look to snap a six-game losing streak as injuries have hindered the Spartans lineup. Gamble, the team’s leading scorer, averages 17.1 points per game and has scored in double-figures in 11 of the last 13 games. Downer leads the SSC in blocks, and ranks 32nd in the NCAA with 33 total blocks. Cedric Belemene ranks 20th in the NCAA in total rebounds with 181. After missing five games due to injury, Colley has scored in double-digits in three straight games. 

About the Eagles (Men): Embry-Riddle was led by Elijah Jenkins on Wednesday night as he logged a career-high 29 points against Rollins. ERAU won the contest 79-73, and Jenkins tied a school record with nine three-pointers made. As a team, the Eagles connected on 16 three-pointers and shot 60% from the field. Alston Jones dished out 13 assists in the game, which is the third-highest total in a single-game in program history. The Eagles are led by Nashad Mackey, who averages a double-double per game, scoring 15.6 ppg and securing 11 rebounds per game. Their second leading scorer, Luka Majstorovic, tallies 14.9 points per game and grabs 6.7 rebounds per game. 

Tickets: General admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. UT students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid Spartan ID.

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Front Row: Download the official app of UT Athletics on the Apple or Android store. Look for Tampa Spartans Front Row app to receive notifications from your favorite Spartan teams. The app is completely free.