Spartans Pull Away Late for 76–65 Conference Win Over Lynn
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Men's Basketball won big in an intense, fast-paced conference game against Lynn Wednesday night.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Tampa 76, Lynn 65
Records: Tampa (14–10, 8–9 SSC), Lynn (12–12, 7–10 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
Tampa won the tipoff, and Trey Lane opened the game with a three, then quickly added another. Camden McCormick got to work on the glass, while Ryan Blount knocked down a three of his own. Justin Taylor added a quick layup in the paint, followed by strong ball movement that led to another Blount three. Blount hit his third triple of the night, and Kyler Lamb followed with a rebound and basket. Taylor added a three, and Trent Scott turned a steal into a Lamb slam. Tampa caught fire from behind the arc as Lane hit his third three of the night.
Lynn tried to build momentum offensively, but Blount's steal helped push the Spartans further ahead. McCormick scored through traffic as Lynn continued to battle. Ian Higdon hit a buzzer-beater to send the Spartans into halftime leading 50–34.
Second Half
Lynn scored first, looking to chip away at the lead and slow Tampa's offensive rhythm. Cole Gingeleski threw down a dunk, and McCormick followed with a trip to the line. Lynn tightened things up to make it a closer contest. Ben Southerland grabbed a quick rebound and bucket to keep Tampa in front.
Taylor and Blount hit clutch threes, and Gingeleski added a big block to maintain the Spartans' lead. Tampa gained momentum behind the efforts of Blount, Gingeleski, Lane, and Scott. Lynn made a late push, but Tampa held on to secure the 76–65 victory over the Knights.
INSIDE THE STATS
- Ryan Blount: 21 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl
- Trey Lane: 12 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
- Justin Taylor: 9 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
- Camden McCormick: 8 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast, 1 stl
- Cole Gingeleski: 8 pts, 5 reb, 5 blk
- Trent Scott: 5 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl
TEAM STATS
- Field Goal Percentage: 49% (28–57)
- Three-Point Percentage: 38% (9–24)
- Free Throws: 61% (11–18)
- Rebounds: 34
- Bench Points: 18 (24%)
- Points in the Paint: 36 (47%)
- Points off Turnovers: 12 (16%)
UP NEXT
Tampa will hit the road for a rivalry face-off at Florida Southern on Saturday, February 21, at 6:00 p.m., then head to Saint Leo on Wednesday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m.