Spartans Fall to Knights

Tampa, Fla – The University of Tampa Men's Basketball team took the floor today to face Lynn University.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Lynn 91, Tampa 69

Records: Tampa (7-2, 1-2 SSC), Lynn (5-3, 2-2 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-time series: This was the 56^th meeting all-time between these programs; Tampa trails 31-25.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: The Spartans displayed resilience in the first half despite trailing Lynn University. Early on, Tyson Leitao and Kaden Froebe set the tone for Tampa with key rebounds and timely layups, keeping the Spartans within striking distance. Defensive efforts, including Amarion Nimmers and B.J. Schaeffer's blocks, showcased Tampa's commitment to staying competitive.
Zach Johnson and Trey Lane energized the team with critical three-point shots, narrowing the gap and boosting team morale. In the closing minutes, De'Andre Harvey and Froebe added crucial points to reduce the deficit, demonstrating Tampa's ability to finish strong. Tampa's hustle on rebounds and defensive stops laid a solid foundation for a potential comeback in the second half.

Score: Lynn 46, Tampa 32

SECOND HALF: The Spartans showed flashes of resilience and effort throughout the second half. Nimmers opened with a key three-pointer and followed up with a layup, giving Tampa some early momentum. Schaeffer and Ryan Blount contributed with impressive plays, including layups and three-point shots, to keep Tampa fighting back. Johnson and Kyler Lamb added important offensive sparks with a jump shot and a tip-in, respectively, narrowing the deficit slightly. The Spartans displayed grit on the boards, with players like Ian Higdon and Leitao securing key rebounds to sustain possessions. Tampa's ability to score late, including a jump shot by Schaeffer and a layup by Grady Schwartz, highlighted their determination to compete until the final whistle.

Score: Lynn 91, Tampa 61

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Nimmers led the Spartans with 13 points.
• Schaeffer and Blount in the double-digit scoring column.
• Tampa had 35 points off the bench.

SPARTAN HISTORY:

• Head Coach Linc Darner has 399 career wins under his belt.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will host the Tampa Classic this upcoming weekend. They play Robert Wesleyan on Friday, Dec. 20, @ 5:00 PM. 

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