Linc Darner Earns First Win As Spartans Head Coach Against Allen

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans handled the Allen University Yellow Jackets in the first game under head coach Linc Darner. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score:  Tampa Spartans 82, Allen Yellow Jackets 68

Records: Tampa (1-0), Gannon (0-1) 

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla. 

All-Time Series: This was the first meeting ever between both schools.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st HALF 

Tampa showed aggressiveness early, dominating the offensive glass and implementing a full-court press. The Spartans found success at the rim early, imposing their will in the paint and causing the Yellow Jackets to find themselves in foul trouble early. Tyson Leitao and the rest of the Spartans benefitted from the Allen foul trouble, shooting 11-12 from the charity stripe, with the junior forward going 7-8 from the line. Meanwhile, 12 of Tampa's first 20 points came inside the paint. However, Allen would move to a 2-3 zone defense that slowed down the Tampa offense a bit, and a four-point play by the Yellow Jackets' Austin James cut the Spartans lead to 7 with nine minutes to play in the period. Tampa distanced their lead through transition opportunities and played to their strength by getting to the rim. The Spartans took an 18-point lead on a late 11-2 run to close out the half with Isiah Young and Bryan Williams each draining a three-pointer in the final minute. Tampa's scoring was powered by 24 points in the paint and shooting 91.7% from the free throw line. Starting guard Amari Davis also made an impact with 14 points on 77% shooting from the field. | Score: 46-28 Tampa

2nd HALF

The second half was evenly contested in the first four minutes, but Tampa maintained their distance from Allen on Jacob Harris' second three-pointer of the night and more contributions from Davis and Young. The Spartans built the lead up to 25 as part of a 9-0 run spearheaded by two layups from Williams that caused Allen head coach Shawn Walker to call timeout with just under 15 minutes to play. Another layup from Williams and a floater by Davis caused another Yellow Jackets timeout two minutes later with the Spartans lead at 26. Davis eclipsed 20 points on the evening with a layup at the halfway point of the period. The Tampa advantage hovered around 20 points for the rest of the game as both teams utilized their bench down the stretch. 14 Spartans entered the game in the double-digit victory. | Score: 82-68 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS

• Davis led Tampa with 22 points in his first game as a Spartan
• Leitao finished 1 rebound shy of a double-double, posting 17 points and 9 boards
• Williams was the 3^rd Spartan scoring in double figures with 17 points off the bench

BEYOND THE BOX

• Williams finished with 17 points, 4 assists and 1 rebound in his first game since March 1, 2022 
• Freshmen Jaxon Toney and Ian Higdon scored 4 and 3 points respectively in their collegiate debuts
• Darner recorded his first win as the head coach of Tampa, his fourth different program he's been at the helm of

UP NEXT: The Spartans have a quick turnaround, hosting the Benedict College Tigers on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m.