Spartans Hold off Lynn for 79-78 Road Conference Win

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team delivered a gritty road performance Tuesday evening, edging Lynn 79–78 in a tightly contested Sunshine State Conference matchup at the de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 79, Lynn 78
Records: Tampa (5–4, 1–3 SSC), Lynn (7–3, 3–2 SSC)
Location: de Hoernle Sports & Cultural Center | Boca Raton, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
The opening half featured back-and-forth action with neither team able to create separation. Tampa found early success attacking the paint and pushing the pace, while Lynn countered with second-chance opportunities and trips to the free-throw line. Ryan Blount set the tone offensively for the Spartans, scoring from all three levels and controlling the glass.

Despite Tampa knocking down timely perimeter shots, Lynn closed the half strong behind efficient free-throw shooting and late execution to take a 39–34 advantage into the break.

Second Half
Tampa responded, coming out of halftime, increasing defensive pressure, and finding a rhythm from beyond the arc. The Spartans poured in 45 second-half points, highlighted by a barrage of three-pointers and balanced scoring off the bench. Blount continued to lead the way, while Justin Taylor and Ben Southerland provided key contributions during critical stretches.

The final minutes saw multiple lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Tampa executed down the stretch, knocking down clutch shots and defensive stops to secure the one-point victory. Lynn had a chance late, but the Spartans' defense held firm to close out the win.

Tampa finished with a 33–22 edge in bench points and knocked down 11 three-pointers, using balanced scoring and timely shot-making to overcome Lynn's rebounding advantage.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Blount: 27 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast

• Justin Taylor: 14 pts, 5 reb

• Ben Southerland: 8 pts, 5 reb

• Trey Lane: 8 pts, 4 stl, 3 ast

• Mateusz Szpin: 6 pts, 5 reb

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 33

• Field Goal Percentage: 40.8% (29–71)

• Three-Point Percentage: 33.3% (11–33)

• Free Throws: 10–14

• Rebounds: 38

• Points in the Paint: 32

• Fastbreak Points: 18

UP NEXT

The Spartans return home this weekend to host the Tampa Christmas Classic, opening the event on Friday, December 20, with a 3 p.m. matchup against Indianapolis before facing St. Thomas Aquinas at 5 p.m. on the 21st. Following the holiday break, Tampa will resume Sunshine State Conference play at home, welcoming Florida Tech on January 3 at 4 p.m.