SAINT LEO, Fla., – The University of North Alabama men's basketball team could not overcome a slow start Saturday in a 78-63 loss to Tampa in the final game of the GSC/SSC Challenge. The second straight loss on the campus of Saint Leo gives the Lions an 0-2 start to the season.

Tampa led 41-19 at the half after the Lions opened the game 6-for-31 from the floor.

The Spartans scored the first six points of the second half to grab their largest lead at 47-19. The Lions, however, were able to use a 19-1 run to get back in the game.

Jeff Hodge had six points during the spurt, including a jumper at the 10:52 mark to make the score 48-38. UNA, however, could never get the deficit to single digits. Tampa scored the next nine points and held at least a 14-point lead the rest of the way.

Pat Bacon led Tampa (1-1) with a game-high 20 points.

Ten different players saw action for UNA, with each scoring in the game. Tavaras Tolliver led the way with 11 points. Hodge and John Fletcher added 10 points each for the Lions.

UNA will host Fisk on Tuesday for the team's home opener at Flowers Hall.