Spartans Surge Past Kentucky State in 104–69 Home Opener Win

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season in dominant fashion at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center, rolling past Kentucky State with a 104–69 victory on Saturday evening. The Spartans eclipsed the 100-point mark behind an explosive offensive outing and impressive defensive pressure that forced 17 turnovers.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 104, Kentucky State 69
Records: Tampa (1–0), Kentucky State (0–2)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

Tampa wasted no time establishing control, scoring the game's opening basket on a three from Ryan Blount. The Spartans created separation early with defensive activity, including three blocks in the opening five minutes, and built a double-digit lead on the strength of Blount's efficient start from beyond the arc and in transition. Tampa's defense set the overall tone, maintaining full-court man-to-man pressure and dominating the boards. 

A pair of dunks from B.J. Schaeffer energized the Spartans as their advantage grew. Tampa's bench unit continued the momentum, and a late scoring surge extended the lead to 43–30 heading into halftime. The Spartans tallied 16 second-chance points in the period and dominated the glass 22–12. In the first half, Tampa showed excellent energy, sharp ball movement, and strong teamwork.

SECOND HALF

Tampa's offense erupted coming out of the break, pouring in 61 second-half points to pull away decisively. The Spartans shot 23-of-34 from the floor in the final 20 minutes while forcing eight more turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities.

Blount continued his standout night, hitting a career high of 33 points with timely threes and attacks to the rim, while Schaeffer and Trey Lane added balance from the perimeter and in transition. Tampa's depth took over down the stretch as 30 bench points helped seal the deal. 

The Spartans maintained a strong full-court man-to-man defense, stayed unselfish on offense, and responded well to every mistake, continuously uplifting each other. A late surge, highlighted by smooth ball movement and heavy paint scoring, pushed the Spartans past the century mark as they closed out a statement 104–69 season-opening win. This was Tampa's first time scoring 100+ points in a season opener since 2008. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Tampa scored 56 points in the paint, doubling Kentucky State's interior production.

• The Spartans forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 20 points.

• Tampa posted a 35–24 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive boards.

• Five Spartans recorded at least eight points.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

• Ryan Blount – 33 pts, 8 reb, 5 stl (9–17 FG, 4–8 3FG, 11–11 FT)

• B.J. Schaeffer – 18 pts, 4 reb

• Trey Lane – 13 pts, 4 stl, 3 ast

• Grady Schwartz – 11 pts, 5 reb

• Camden McCormick – 8 ast

UP NEXT

Tampa continues its opening week with another home matchup versus Staten Island on Monday at 7 p.m., at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.