Spartans Battle but Fall on the Road to Eckerd

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with Eckerd in a fast-paced Sunshine State Conference matchup Wednesday night, but ultimately fell 88–76 on the road.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Eckerd 88, Tampa 76
Records: Tampa (4–3, 0–2 SSC), Eckerd (4–2, 1–1 SSC)
Location: McArthur Center | St. Petersburg, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa opened the night locked in offensively, trading blows with an Eckerd squad that pushed the tempo from the outset. The Spartans received early production from B.J. Schaeffer, Ryan Blount, and Ian Higdon, who each found success attacking the paint or knocking down rhythm jumpers.

Justin Taylor provided a spark off the bench with a pair of threes, while Blount heated up from deep as Tampa kept pace with the Tritons' hot start. Trey Lane added multiple strong drives, helping the Spartans stay within striking distance.

Despite Tampa's 33-point output in the half, Eckerd's inside presence—powered by Jacob Davis and Koa Baker—created separation. The Tritons capitalized on second-chance opportunities and converted five first-half threes, building a 42–33 advantage at the break.

Second Half

Tampa came out firing to start the second half, quickly chipping into the deficit. Camden McCormick finished at the rim, and Schaeffer punctuated the surge with a transition dunk to pull the Spartans within five. Lane then drilled a wing three to make it 42–40 and swing momentum Tampa's way.

Eckerd responded with poise, and the Tritons continued to dominate the glass, extending possessions and converting in the paint. Tampa fought back behind the shot-making of Taylor—who buried his third triple of the night—and steady mid-range scoring from Blount and Lane.

The Spartans remained within reach entering the final minutes, but Eckerd's balance proved decisive. The Tritons attacked the interior for high-percentage looks and converted at the free-throw line to rebuild a double-digit lead. Tampa continued to battle, but the Tritons' rebounding edge (48–29) and 44 points in the paint carried them to the win.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Trey Lane: 20 pts, 5 reb, 3 stl

• B.J. Schaeffer: 14 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast

• Ian Higdon: 6 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast

• Ryan Blount: 12 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast

• Justin Taylor: 12 pts (4 made FG, 3 threes)

• Camden McCormick: 6 pts, 3 ast

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 18

• Field Goal Percentage: 44% (28–63)

• Three-Point Percentage: 32% (9–28)

• Free Throws: 11–16

• Rebounds: 29

• Points in the Paint: 28

• Points off Turnovers: 10

• Fast-Break Points: 14