
Spartans Dunk Tiffin to Start Tampa Classic
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans defeated the Tiffin University Dragons in the first of a pair of weekend games at the Martinez Center for both teams.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 91, Tiffin University Dragons 81
Records: Tampa 5-3, Tiffin 4-5
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-Time Series: This is the third meeting between the Spartans and Dragons. They last faced each other in 2015 where the Dragons won. The series is tied at 1-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
1st HALF
Tiffin opened the scoring thanks to a good shot from Morgan Taylor. Johnathan Bryant II would respond immediately, scoring the Spartans first points of the game with a good mid-range shot. Bryant II and Max Jones would start out well with 11 points combined to give the Spartans a 13-8 lead in the first five minutes. Tiffin would score six unanswered to regain the lead afterwards. Halfway through the first half, Tampa led 25-19 with a balanced effort all around, including six points from Jones. Tampa was heating up, and managed an impressive 20-3 run over four minutes in the middle of the first. Tampa clearly was the strongest team in the first half, as they led 52-34 entering the break. Jones once again was on fire, putting up 19 points in the first half, leading both teams. Luke Johnson was Tiffin's best scorer, with 10.
2nd HALF
Tiffin opened the scoring in the second half, and began to chip away at their 18 point deficit. Jones continued to lead in scoring, but Bryan Williams and Bryant II both did well too, scoring over ten each. Tampa continued to remain in control, and later expanded their lead to 20 with 11:45 remaining. Martin Lakovic continued to be a dangerous interior threat, and secured a double-double with 4:36 remaining. Despite being down, Tiffin started to improve in the second half, and a team effort with four 10 point scorers helped them try to close the gap, and it fell to 12 with 3:46 remaining. Tampa kept it close, but minor errors allowed Tiffin to get it under ten entering the final minute. The gap would later drop to eight, but Derrick Felder would ice the game with two free throws, giving Tampa a 91-81 win.
INSIDE THE STATS
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Bryant II was the leading scorer for the Spartans, with 22 points. Jones was close behind with 21.
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Lakovic had a great game, scoring 15 points and securing 13 rebounds in just 21 minutes. He also led the team in assists with six.
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Felder quietly had a strong night with 10 rebounds and five assists.
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Morgan Taylor was the top scorer for Tiffin with 15 points and also led with five assists. He got five rebounds, tied second most for the team.
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The key for Tampa's success was their 47-29 rebound advantage, and also their 57% to 43% field goal percentage advantage.
BEYOND THE BOX
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Tampa now leads the series with Tiffin 2-1. Their first matchup was in 2000, and they wouldn't rematch until 2015.
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The 91 points scored tonight was the most the Spartans scored in regulation all season, the only higher score came from their overtime win against Montevallo on November 12th.
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5-3 is the best start for the Spartans since 2016, where they also started 5-3 in their first eight games.
NEXT UP: Tampa next faces Trevecca Nazarene in the Tampa Classic tomorrow, on December 18th.
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