Spartans Hit Century Mark, Start Season 2-0 in South Carolina

Columbia, SC – The University of Tampa's Men's Basketball team stayed in Columbia, SC for their second game of the season against Benedict University. After a hard fought win in the season opener, the Spartans were looking to keep the momentum going and come back to the 813 with a weekend sweep.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Records: Tampa 2-0, Benedict 0-2

Location: HRC Arena l Columbia, SC

All-time series: This was the fifth meeting between these two programs, Tampa picks up their first win over Benedict who still lead the all-time series 4-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: Coming into this contest, the Spartans were looking to get the offense going early instead of having to comeback from multiple possessions like last night. They would do this by establishing their fast pace style in the first few minutes and hitting some early shots. The first basket of the game would be a three pointer scored by Amarion Nimmers. This is important because when the Spartans took this 3-0 lead, it would be the closest scoreline the entire game. In fact, by the 15:30 mark of the first half, a Bryan Williams three point jumper would push the Spartans lead to multiple possessions (10-4) and it would remain a multiple possession lead for the next 35 minutes. Every Spartan who played in the first half contributed a bucket and the team outrebounded Benedict 22-9. The lead grew to as much as 18 but after a Benedict run to end the half, the Spartans would go into the break leading by 13. 

Score: Tampa 47, Benedict 34

SECOND HALF: The second half could only be described as an absolute shootout. The Spartans would make 21 total field goals en route to dropping a whopping 53 points. Benedict got in on the action and kept the game by becoming a blow out by recording 33 total points in the paint. Tampa would not go more than two minutes without scoring a point and five Spartans finished with 10+ points. Bryan Williams led all shooters with 23 points, going 3-4 from downtown. The domination on the boards continued as both Tyson Leitao and Amarion Nimmers both had double-doubles. Both teams would continue to hit shots down the stretch which culminated in the birthday boy Zach Johnson hitting a three to put the Spartans at 100 total points for the game. Tampa would close out their weekend in the Palmetto State with a 100-79 win over Benedict and improve to 2-0 on the year. 

Final: Tampa 100, Benedict 79

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Five Spartans drop 10+ points as Tampa hit the century mark (100 total points) for the third time under Linc Darner.

• Spartans not only led the entire game, but they led by 6+ points for over 35 minutes in this contest 

• Tyson Leitao and Amarion Nimmers each record a double-double combining for 34 points and 24 rebounds

UP NEXT: The Spartans will now turn the page to their home opener this upcoming weekend. Tampa Men's Basketball will host Claflin on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 4:00pm at the Bob Martinez Center. The Home Opener will double as a canned food drive to support ongoing hurricane relief efforts in the Tampa Bay Area. Those who donate will receive free admission to watch the Spartans take on Claflin with all proceeds going to Feeding Tampa Bay. 

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