Spartans Secure Tampa Holiday Classic Sweep Behind Win vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's basketball team put together an explosive second-half performance Saturday evening, pulling away from St. Thomas Aquinas for a 92–77 victory inside the Bob Martinez Athletics Center to close out the Tampa Holiday Classic.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 92, St. Thomas Aquinas 77
Records: Tampa (7–4, 1–3 SSC), St. Thomas Aquinas (6–7, 3–1 ECC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Tampa set the tone early with an Ian Higdon steal that led to a Trey Lane three-pointer, igniting a fast-paced and physical opening stretch. The first half featured constant back-and-forth action as both teams traded baskets at a high tempo.

Ben Southerland and Camden McCormick capitalized on fast-break chances, scoring from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line, while defensive pressure fueled transition opportunities. The intensity remained high through the remainder of the half, with neither side able to create separation. Tampa headed into the locker room trailing by just one, 45–44.

Second Half
The tight contest continued out of the break, as Lane, Kyler Lamb, and Justin Taylor each knocked down timely three-pointers to keep the Spartans within striking distance. Tampa then began to seize control behind a standout offensive surge, highlighted by back-to-back threes from Ryan Blount.

The Spartans found success pushing the pace, scoring 33 fast-break points while forcing turnovers and controlling the glass. Lane, Mateusz Szpin, and McCormick led a strong rebounding effort, and Tampa's defensive pressure remained consistent throughout the half. Efficient shooting from long range—accounting for 42 points from beyond the arc—allowed the Spartans to pull away late and secure the 92–77 win.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Blount: 30 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast

• Trey Lane: 11 pts, 9 reb, 5 ast

• Camden McCormick: 11 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl

• Ben Southerland: 11 pts, 2 reb, 2 stl

• B.J. Schaeffer: 10 pts, 4 reb, 3 blk

• Justin Taylor: 7 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast

• Mateusz Szpin: 6 pts, 6 reb

• Kyler Lamb: 5 pts, 3 reb, 1 blk

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 35

• Field Goal Percentage: 45.0% (30–66)

• Three-Point Percentage: 39.0% (14–36)

• Free Throws: 82.0% (18–22)

• Rebounds: 46

• Points in the Paint: 32