Spartans fall to Barry in SSC Quarterfinals

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Tampa Men's Basketball put together a strong offensive performance on the road, but a big second half from Barry handed the Spartans a 96–85 loss in the Sunshine State Conference Quarterfinals. Tampa opened with a 51‑point first half and saw multiple players shine, but foul trouble and turnovers shifted momentum late.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Barry 96, Tampa 85

Records: Tampa (16–12, 10–10 SSC), Barry (17–12, 11–9 SSC)

Location: Health & Sports Center | Miami Shores, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa weathered an early 9–0 Barry run before settling into rhythm. Justin Taylor got the Spartans on the board with a three, and Trent Scott followed with a layup to spark the offense. Camden McCormick attacked the paint for a pair of early baskets, and Ryan Blount began asserting himself with strong finishes inside.

As the half progressed, Tampa's ball pressure created opportunities. McCormick's steal‑and‑score sequence pulled the Spartans within two, and Blount continued to pace the offense with efficient shooting from all levels. Tampa closed the half with 18 made field goals and 12 free throws, taking a 51–43 lead into the break.

Second Half

Tampa continued to score out of halftime, but foul trouble began to mount. The Spartans kept attacking—Blount added to his total, McCormick facilitated with five assists, and Tampa stayed aggressive at the rim.

Barry's free‑throw advantage became the difference, as the Buccaneers converted 37 attempts to Tampa's 24. A 53‑point second half from the home team erased the Spartans' lead, and despite Tampa's 85‑point output, the comeback effort fell short 96-85.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Blount: 29 pts, 8 reb, 3 threes

• Camden McCormick: 15 pts, 5 ast, 4 stl

• Trey Lane: 14 pts, 5 reb

• Trent Scott: 10 pts, 3 ast

• Justin Taylor: 8 pts, 5 reb

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 43% (27–63)

• Three‑Point Percentage: 29% (7–24)

• Free Throws: 71% (24–34)

• Rebounds: 36

• Bench Production: 19 pts

• Points off Turnovers: 24

• Points in the Paint: 38