Tight Contest Ends in 83–82 Overtime Loss

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team battled through a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest Saturday afternoon but came up just short in an 83–82 overtime loss to Barry at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Barry 83, Tampa 82 (OT)
Records: Tampa (9–5, 3–4 SSC), Barry (7–8, 2–5 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Barry won the opening tip and jumped out to an early lead as its offense found a rhythm. Camden McCormick opened the scoring for Tampa, with Trey Lane following shortly after. Barry continued to fire offensively, but Lane sparked a momentum shift with a steal, and Kyler Lamb connected on a three-pointer to help chip away at the deficit.

Tampa's defense increased its pressure, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. A Trent Scott steal led to a Justin Taylor layup as the Spartans continued to close the gap. As the first half wound down, McCormick added a basket and Ryan Blount knocked down a three-pointer, sending Tampa into halftime trailing 39–35.

Second Half
McCormick opened the second half with a jumper, followed by a Trent Scott three-pointer to keep Tampa within striking distance. Barry continued to attack the paint, keeping the game close as the pace remained fast on both ends. Turnovers and steals played a key role throughout the half, with neither team able to pull away.

A B.J. Schaeffer and one kept the Spartans in the fight, and back-to-back three-pointers from Ben Southerland and Taylor tied the game. The final minutes featured constant lead changes as both teams battled down to the wire, forcing overtime.

Overtime
Barry struck first in the extra period, but Taylor responded to tie the game for Tampa. Barry answered with a three-pointer, which McCormick matched with one of his own to keep the contest even. The teams traded possessions in the closing moments before Barry edged out the one-point victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Camden McCormick: 15 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl

• Justin Taylor: 13 pts, 5 reb

• Ryan Blount: 12 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast

• Trey Lane: 11 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl

• Trent Scott: 6 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl

• B.J. Schaeffer: 6 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 34 (41%)

• Field Goal Percentage: 43.0% (30–70)

• Three-Point Percentage: 34.0% (10–29)

• Free Throws: 63.0% (12–19)

• Rebounds: 35

• Points in the Paint: 30 (37%)

• Points off Turnovers: 18 (22%)