Spartans Starting Five Dominates in Win Over St. Leo

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

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 95, St. Leo 86

Records: Tampa (14-5, 6-5 SSC), St. Leo (8-11, 3-8 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-time series: This was the 93^rd meeting all-time between these programs; Tampa leads 64-29.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: Tampa started strong in the first half, with Amarion Nimmers opening the scoring with a layup and maintaining an early offensive rhythm. Tyson Leitao was a dominant force on the boards, securing multiple defensive and offensive rebounds that kept Tampa in control. Bryan Williams provided a spark with key scoring runs, including back-to-back three-pointers to extend Tampa's lead. The team capitalized on Saint Leo's turnovers, with players like Trey Lane and Kaden Froebe contributing crucial steals and converting them into points. Tampa's defense also stood tall, highlighted by Leitao's block that thwarted a potential Saint Leo scoring opportunity.

Score: Tampa 42, St. Leo 37

SECOND HALF: Tampa dominated the second half, steadily extending their lead with strong teamwork and efficient scoring. Leitao set the tone early with an offensive rebound and tip-in, followed by Nimmers and Ryan Blount contributing crucial layups and a three-pointer to maintain momentum. Froebe delivered back-to-back steals and layups, pushing Tampa's lead to double digits while also sinking a free throw after a Saint Leo foul. Tampa's defense shone as they forced multiple turnovers, with Froebe and Blount capitalizing on key opportunities to widen the gap. Williams and Ian Higdon also made significant contributions with layups off assists, maintaining Tampa's offensive pressure. Despite a few surges from Saint Leo, Tampa's rebounding and consistent scoring sealed a commanding second-half performance, cementing their victory.

Score: Tampa 95, St. Leo 86

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Williams led the Spartans with 27 points.
• Nimmers, Froebe, and Blount all with double-digit points as well, and Leitao had 14 rebounds.
• Tampa shot 39.1% from the floor.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel to Lakeland to take on Florida Southern on Wednesday, Jan. 29, @ 7:30 PM. 

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