Spartans drop 47 second half points, win season opener

Columbia, S.C – The University of Tampa's Men's Basketball team traveled to Columbia, S.C for their season opener against Allen University. The Spartans come into this new year with a new identity and high expectations in Linc Darner's second year on the Tampa bench. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 75, Allen 64

Records: Tampa 1-0, Allen 0-1

Location: John Hurst Gymnasium l Columbia, S.C

All-time series: This was the second ever meeting between these two programs, Tampa now leads the series 2-0. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: In the first game of the year, the Spartans did not start the way they would have wanted offensively. While both teams got off to rough shooting starts, Tampa was held to just nine points through the first ten minutes. However, on the other side of the court the Spartans came out aggressive and forced Allen to shoot late into the shot clock on almost every early possession. Neither team was able to pull away for the majority of the first half until Allen would get hot with three minutes remaining. After a Ryan Blount three to make the scoreline 24-21 Allen with 3:14 to go, the Yellow Jackets would go on to score 13 points to close out the half and take a nine point lead into the break.

Score: Tampa 28, Allen 37

SECOND HALF: Entering the final 20 minutes down nine, Tampa knew they needed to get it going offensively. They would do so in not just one way or with one person, but with a total team effort. It would take less than three minutes for the Spartans to force a few turnovers, hit a few shots, and take the lead 39-37. This hot start would turn into a huge 27-12 run to open the first ten minutes of the second half and fully swing the momentum of the game into the Spartans favor. Four different Spartans would hit the double digit point mark led by Ryan Blount who shot a super efficient 61% from the floor. Tampa was able to combine 13 makes from beyond the arc with 23 second chance points off offensive rebounds to complete the comeback effort. After dropping 47 points in the second half, the Spartans were able to shake off the slow start and come away with an opening night win on the road. 

 Final: Tampa 75, Allen 64

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Spartans drop 47 points in second half with 20 coming off of turnovers 

• Ryan Blount shot 8-13 from the floor for a total of 19 points in Tampa Debut

• Spartans combine for a team total 45 rebounds (4th most under Linc Darner)

UP NEXT: The Spartans will stay in South Carolina for one final game tomorrow  against Benedict University. That contest will take place this Saturday at 6:00pm. 

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