Spartan Basketball Opens 2026 with Florida Tech Doubleheader

TAMPA, Fla. – University of Tampa basketball returns to action and resumes Sunshine State Conference play tomorrow at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center, hosting Florida Tech in a Saturday doubleheader. The matchup marks the first game of the new year for both programs.

Fans can watch the action in person at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center or follow along via live stream on TampaSpartans.tv and live stats at TampaStats.com. Updates will also be available on social media at @UTampaMBB and @UTampaWBB.

The Tampa women's basketball team tips off at 2:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 3, entering the contest with a 7–6 overall record and a 2–2 mark in SSC play. Florida Tech comes into the matchup 4–8 overall and 1–4 in conference play. The Spartans are coming off a strong road victory over Texas A&M–Kingsville in Las Vegas. Head coach Tom Jessee is nearing a major milestone, sitting just one win shy of 500 career victories at UTampa, and will look to reach the mark on Saturday.

Men's basketball follows at 4:00 p.m. EST, as the Spartans host Florida Tech after winning three straight games. Tampa enters the matchup with a 7–4 overall record and a 1–3 conference mark, while Florida Tech stands at 6–7 overall and 2–3 in SSC play. Tampa is coming off of two big back-to-back wins during the Tampa Holiday Classic and a standout performance by Ryan Blount, which earned him both Sunshine State Conference and National NABC player of the week recognition.