Spartans Push Past Dolphins After Explosive Second Half

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team protected home court on Monday night, using a dominant second-half performance to outlast Staten Island, 94–90, inside the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. With the victory, the Spartans improve to 2–0 on the season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 94, Staten Island 90
Records: Tampa (2–0), Staten Island (2–1)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center – Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa opened the night with energy, but Staten Island responded quickly with efficient early offense. Despite six first-half steals from the Spartans and strong paint scoring, Staten Island's Aaron Goldstein caught fire, pouring in 20 first-half points as the visitors built momentum.

Tampa's B.J. Schaeffer kept UT attached with consistent scoring at the rim, while Camden McCormick facilitated the offense efficiently. A late burst from the Dolphins—including a buzzer-beating dunk and free throw—sent Staten Island into the break with a 40–36 lead.

Second Half

The Spartans wasted no time flipping the script. 

Trey Lane drilled an early three to spark a scoring push, and Tampa's defense tightened—forcing five turnovers while holding Staten Island to fewer second-chance opportunities. Lane and Schaeffer took over offensively, combining for 34 second-half points. Ryan Blount anchored the interior throughout the surge, finishing the night with a hard-earned double-double. 

Tampa regained the lead for good midway through the half behind a stretch of transition scoring and improved three-point shooting. The Spartans connected on 8-of-16 threes in the final frame and outscored the Dolphins 58–50 to close out the game.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Tampa finished with a +9 rebounding margin (41–32), including 15 offensive boards.

• The Spartans outscored Staten Island 46–44 in the paint and 14–4 on fast breaks.

• Both teams traded eight ties and 18 lead changes in a highly competitive matchup.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

• Trey Lane – 29 points, 6 made threes, 6 steals

• B.J. Schaeffer – 24 points, 10-of-15 FG, 3 assists

• Camden McCormick – 10 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds

• Ryan Blount – 11 points, 10 rebounds (double-double)

• Mateusz Szpin – 8 points, 5 rebounds

• Team – 94 points, 33-for-77 FG, 9-for-25 3FG, 19-for-32 FT

UP NEXT

Tampa returns to action later this Thursday at 7:00 PM ET against Anderson as they continue their home stretch inside the Martinez Center.