Box Score TAMPA, Fla. - After getting off to a slow start, Florida Tech (9-12, SSC 6-9) fell 57-38 to Tampa, University (16-7, SSC 9-7) on Wednesday night at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

For the second time this season, Florida Tech's offensive efforts were stifled, as the Panthers did not host a double-digit scorer after quarter outing. The only other team that has been able to slow FIT was Eckerd, when the Tritons faced the Melbourne squad during Week 17 of the season.

Tonight, scoring the most points for FIT were Kailyn Ebb and Cheyenne Scott with six point apiece. From the floor, Ebb shot 2-for-5 with four rebounds, while Scott went 3-for-5 with three boards.

As a team, the Panthers shot 27 percent to the Spartans 48, and were out rebounded 34-27. Although FIT struggled throughout the evening, its best performances came from free throws and bench points. At the charity strip, the Panthers hit 11-of-17 for 63 percent, and outscored UT 24-19 from the bench. 

After a slow 11-point start, both teams traded baskets respectively as they headed into the second period with a tied score. In the second period however, Tampa hosted a late run that saw five consecutively made unanswered buckets, which allowed them to jump ahead by 12 points, 28-16 at the half.

Unable to shorten the deficit out of the intermission, Florida Tech could not find the offensive tempo to match the Spartans consistent scoring runs. At the end of the third period, UT stretched its lead to 20 before heading into the fourth. In the final quarter, a good layup by Markeema Crawford and two made free throws by Michaela Gelbaugh allowed FIT to close the gap by four, but the streak was evenly matched, as Tampa maintained at 19-point lead to end the game, 57-38.

Next, the Panthers head to Lakeland on Feb. 10 for a Sunshine State Conference match up against Florida Southern. Teams will line up Saturday at 5:30 p.m. E.T.

For more information, please visit FloridaTechSports.com!