WINTER PARK, Fla.(December 3, 2025) - Rollins mounted a furious second-half surge but couldn't overcome a cold start, falling 71–65 to Florida Tech on Wednesday night at Warden Arena. The loss drops Rollins to 4-3 (0-2 SSC) while the Panthers even out to 4-4 on the year with a 1-1 SSC record.
The Tars struggled early, shooting just 27% in the first half and committing nine turnovers as Florida Tech built a 37–24 halftime advantage. Despite the early deficit, Rollins' defense kept the game within reach. Marshall Klug, Ryan Renfro, and Matus Malovec combined for several key stops at the rim, and the Tars' activity on the glass produced 18 second-chance points, a major factor in their comeback effort.
The game's momentum shifted dramatically after halftime.
Rollins opened the period with an 11–3 run, sparked by an aggressive Renfro, who scored inside and converted at the free-throw line to cut the margin to single digits. Moments later, Omar Figueroa ... a force all night with a game-high 23 points and five steals ... knocked down a three from the left wing, pulling Rollins within seven.
Each time Florida Tech tried to pull away, Rollins answered. Ricky Ghedini buried a three to make it 55–43, and later Jah Nze drilled back-to-back triples during a decisive stretch, trimming the deficit to six points with 3:39 remaining. When Figueroa sliced through the lane for a layup to bring Rollins within four at 67–63 in the final minute, the Alfond Sports Center roared as the Tars threatened to complete the comeback.
But Florida Tech steadied itself at the line, and a late turnover by Rollins allowed the Panthers to seal the game with a pair of free throws.
Despite the loss, Rollins showcased resilience and standout individual performances:
-
Omar Figueroa: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals — the engine of the Tars' rally.
-
Ryan Renfro: 13 points, 6 rebounds, and several timely second-chance efforts.
-
Jah Nze: 10 points, including crucial second-half threes that sparked Rollins' momentum.
-
Rollins bench: Provided key energy and defensive plays, especially Malovec and Ghedini.
The Tars finished with 43 rebounds to Florida Tech's 35 and dominated the offensive boards, but early scoring droughts and Florida Tech's hot perimeter shooting (11-for-27 from deep) proved too much to overcome.
Rollins now looks to build on its second-half performance as Sunshine State Conference play continues on Saturday. The Tars will travel to Lakeland to battle Florida Southern, with tipoff scheduled for 4:00pm.
