Ryan Blount, Justin Taylor Shoot Tampa Past Florida Tech

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team delivered a strong home performance, defeating Florida Tech 78–65 in Sunshine State Conference action at the Martinez Athletics Center. The Spartans combined efficient perimeter shooting with balanced scoring to secure their second league win of the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

• Final Score: Tampa 78, Florida Tech 65
• Records: Tampa (8–4, 2–3 SSC), Florida Tech (6–8, 2–4 SSC)
• Location: Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
• All-time Series: Tampa has now won three straight in the all-time series with Florida Tech, holding a 62-32 advantage in the series.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

Tampa came out firing from deep, hitting nine three-pointers in the opening half to build a commanding lead. Ryan Blount set the tone early, knocking down three triples and scoring 12 first-half points. Justin Taylor provided a major spark off the bench, going 6-for-7 from the field and hitting four threes for 16 points before halftime. Camden McCormick and Mateusz Szpin added timely threes, while Trey Lane facilitated the offense with two assists and strong perimeter defense. Tampa shot 48.4% overall and 52.9% from three in the first half, taking a 40–22 lead into the break.

SECOND HALF

Florida Tech heated up after halftime, shooting 53.1% and trimming the margin briefly, but Tampa's depth and shooting kept the game under control. Blount continued his hot hand with two more threes, finishing with a team-high 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting (7-of-8 from deep). Lane added 10 points in the second half, including two triples, while McCormick chipped in with key buckets and three assists. Taylor remained efficient, scoring four more points and grabbing five rebounds to anchor the Spartans inside. Tampa closed the game with disciplined possessions and clutch shooting, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the final stretch.

Final Score: Tampa 78, Florida Tech 65

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Blount: 24 points (8–14 FG, 7–8 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
• Justin Taylor: 20 points (8–9 FG, 4–4 3PT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block
• Trey Lane: 10 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds
• Camden McCormick: 7 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds
• Kyler Lamb: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Tampa shot 46.9% from the field, 53.6% from three, and 75% from the line.
• The Spartans recorded 20 assists on 30 made baskets, outrebounded Florida Tech 39–33, and scored 14 fast-break points.
• Bench production was key, with 31 points led by Taylor's performance.

UP NEXT

• Tampa is back home at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to host Saint Leo University in another SSC matchup.