Defending Champs Slip Past Spartans

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team took on a national powerhouse Saturday afternoon but fell to No. 2 Nova Southeastern, the defending national champions, by a final score of 110–78 at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: No. 2 Nova Southeastern 110, Tampa 78
Records: Tampa (10–9, 4–8 SSC), Nova Southeastern (17–1, 12–1 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

The Spartans were tested immediately as the Sharks opened the game with a quick burst, knocking down three-pointers on their first possessions. Tampa settled in offensively behind Ryan Blount, who provided an early spark with a three-pointer and strong finishes in the paint. Camden McCormick and Justin Taylor added scoring as the Spartans worked to match Nova's pace.

Nova Southeastern continued to find success from beyond the arc and in transition, using efficient shooting and ball movement to steadily extend the lead. Despite Tampa's effort on the glass and inside scoring from Blount, the Sharks shot over 70 percent in the opening half, taking a 61–39 advantage into the break.

Second Half

Tampa opened the second half with renewed energy, as Taylor attacked the basket and B.J. Schaeffer helped facilitate the offense. Kyler Lamb provided a boost off the bench with efficient scoring and hustle plays, while McCormick knocked down a pair of key three-pointers to keep the Spartans pushing.

Nova Southeastern answered each run with timely shooting and second-chance opportunities, maintaining control throughout the half. Trey Lane added a late three-point play, and Blount continued to battle inside, but the Sharks' depth and shooting proved decisive as Tampa closed the afternoon with a 110–78 result.

INSIDE THE STATS

Ryan Blount: 19 pts, 6 reb
Justin Taylor: 14 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast
Camden McCormick: 13 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast
Kyler Lamb: 8 pts
Trey Lane: 6 pts, 4 ast, 2 stl
B.J. Schaeffer: 5 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl

TEAM STATS

Field Goal Percentage: 48.4% (30–62)
Three-Point Percentage: 36.0% (9–25)
Free Throws: 64.3% (9–14)
Rebounds: 25
Points in the Paint: 38
Fast-Break Points: 9