WINTER PARK, Fla. (January 30, 2024) - A rare Tuesday night conference matchup between the Rollins Tars and Florida Tech Panthers went the home team's way in a statement 87-71 for Rollins. The Tars move to 6-13 on the year with a 3-9 record in the SSC, while Tech drops to 12-6, 5-6 SSC.
From the tip, the Tars controlled everything about the game. Their defense forced the Panthers into tough shots early as they jumped out to an 8-0 lead thanks to a quick six from big man
Matheus Silveira. The Panthers finally got on the board at the 15:02 mark on a three-point play, but a
Cade Long layup off a
Jaden Frazier steal would quickly put the momentum back in the Tars' favor.
Florida Tech got as close as 15-10, but three points from
Kyle Marion and another jumper from Long quickly doubled up the score. After a Panthers make, it was Long once more taking control with a strong drive to the hoop that turned into a three-point play. Not yet finished, the fifth-year guard would add a pair of threes on back-to-back possessions to put Rollins up 29-14. They would eventually head into the break up 39-28.
The second half told the same story as Rollins was able to do what they wanted on offense, while also keeping the Panther attack at bay.
Sergey Grishaev scored five quick ones in the opening minutes of the second half, including an emphatic dunk on another nice dish from Frazier.
Rahsaan Edwards tried his best to bring Tech back into the game, scoring eight straight, but the best he could do was make the score 69-55. Frazier was able to answer back with a pair of slams in the paint as Rollins broke Tech's attempt at a press. The Tars would own the paint all evening, outscoring their foe 40-20 in the restricted space.
Grishaev put the cherry on top with a vicious dunk in the final minutes as Rollins took home an 87-71 win.
Long tied for the scoring lead with 21 points, setting a new personal best. He also added four assists and a steal. Silveira matched him with 21 and nine boards. Grishaev added 19 and nine, Marion finished with 13, and
Braxton Barnhizer scrapped his way to nine rebounds, eight assists, and zero turnovers. This was easily the best game the Tars have played all season.
They will put their new found confidence to the test on Saturday when they host the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm from Warden Arena.
