Mocs Edge Spartans Despite Late Rally

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team battled throughout a Sunshine State Conference rivalry matchup on Wednesday night but came up short as Florida Southern pulled away late, handing the Spartans an 84-76 setback at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

The Spartans traded punches with the Mocs for all 40 minutes, cutting the deficit to single digits multiple times in the second half, but Florida Southern's efficiency down the stretch proved to be the difference.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Florida Southern 84, Tampa 76
Records: Tampa (10-7, 4-6 SSC), Florida Southern (15-5, 7-3 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Florida Southern opened the game with early offensive aggression, scoring on its first two possessions to jump out to a quick lead. Tampa responded with energy on both ends, with Mateusz Szpin finishing inside for the Spartans' first basket and Justin Taylor knocking down a three-pointer to even the score moments later.

The Mocs found consistency from the perimeter midway through the half, stringing together multiple three-pointers as Tampa worked to stay within reach. Camden McCormick and Ryan Blount provided offensive sparks off the bench, while Trent Scott contributed on the glass and facilitated ball movement.

Despite Florida Southern stretching the lead, Tampa closed the half strong. Blount converted from deep twice in the final three minutes, helping the Spartans trim the deficit to 41-35 heading into the break.

Second Half

Tampa opened the second half with renewed intensity, cutting into the Florida Southern lead behind strong interior play and consistent ball pressure. Taylor connected on another three early, and B.J. Schaeffer added points in the paint to keep the Spartans within striking distance.

Florida Southern responded with timely baskets, extending its advantage to double digits midway through the half. Tampa continued to fight, fueled by fast-break opportunities and second-chance points, but struggled to fully close the gap.

In the closing minutes, the Spartans made one final push as Blount and Taylor combined for key baskets, cutting the deficit to eight, but the Mocs converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to seal the 84-76 victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

Ryan Blount: 16 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl
Justin Taylor: 13 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
Camden McCormick: 12 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast
Trent Scott: 7 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl
B.J. Schaeffer: 7 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast
Ian Higdon: 5 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast

TEAM STATS

Field Goal Percentage: 41.4% (29-70)
Three-Point Percentage: 32.3% (10-31)
Free Throws: 57.1% (8-14)
Rebounds: 37

Bench Points: 31
Points in the Paint: 38
Fast Break Points: 16
Points off Turnovers: 25

UP NEXT

The Spartans will look to bounce back on the road as they travel to face Florida Tech on Saturday, January 24, with tipoff set for 4:00 p.m.