Spartans Fall to Unbeaten Anderson

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team returned to the Bob Martinez Athletics Center on Thursday night, hosting undefeated Anderson (SC). Despite a strong first half and multiple standout individual performances, the Spartans were unable to keep pace late, falling 93–67.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Anderson (SC) 93, Tampa 67
Records: Tampa (2–1), Anderson (4–0)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa matched Anderson shot-for-shot through much of an explosive opening half, pushing the pace offensively and shooting an efficient 58% from the field (18-for-31).

Ryan Blount energized the Spartans early, scoring 15 of his game-high 17 points before the break—including a pair of threes and a highlight-reel dunk in transition. Camden McCormick added 11 first-half points as Tampa continued to find success inside, outscoring the Trojans 20–12 in the paint during the period.

However, Anderson's perimeter shooting created separation before halftime. The Trojans knocked down 7 threes in the first half and capitalized on 10 Spartan turnovers, converting them into 14 points. Rashawn Inglemon was nearly unstoppable from the arc, hitting 5-of-7 threes before the break on his way to a massive scoring night.

Despite trading leads early, Tampa entered halftime trailing 50–45.

Second Half

Anderson seized control immediately out of the locker room, opening the half on a 14–3 run fueled by more three-point shooting and defensive pressure. Tampa struggled to regain offensive rhythm, shooting just 7-for-31 (22%) from the floor in the second half.

Inglemon continued his standout performance, finishing with 36 points, including 10 made threes, while teammate Osmar Garcia added 21 points and 11 rebounds.

For Tampa, B.J. Schaeffer provided a spark in moments with 12 points and three steals, and Ian Higdon anchored the interior with eight rebounds and strong defensive plays. But Anderson's efficiency—shooting 49% from the field and 50% from three—proved too much as the Spartans were outscored 43–22 over the final 20 minutes.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Blount: 17 points, 7 rebounds
  

• Camden McCormick: 13 points, 4 assists
  

• Trey Lane: 13 points (4 threes), 3 assists
  

• B.J. Schaeffer: 12 points, 3 steals
  

• Ian Higdon: 3 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
  

Team Notes:

• Tampa scored 32 points in the paint.
  

• The Spartans finished with 17 points off turnovers and 15 fastbreak points.
  

• Anderson shot 14-for-28 from three and forced 12 Tampa turnovers.