WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 8, 2025) - Men's basketball was lighting it up from all over the court in their 95-78 win on Saturday against Tampa. With the victory, the fourth straight for the Tars, Rollins moves to 15-8 on the season and 8-6 in SSC play. The Spartans drop to 14-9, 6-9 SSC.
After a slow start from both sides, Tampa was able to gain a 9-3 lead. Rollins eventually started to find their offense, and tied the game at 16 all with an
Emilis Butkus three at the twelve-minute mark. After a defensive stop,
Dylan Wolle connected on a triple of his own to give Rollins the 19-16 lead. From that point forward, the Tars would not trail for the remainder of the game.
Defensively, the Tars were able to keep Tampa off the board for more than four minutes of game time. During that span, Rollins went on a 13-0 run with five points from Butkus and four from
John Latimer III. The Spartans snapped the streak with back-to-back makes, but
Beau Frericks responded with two threes to keep the lead healthy. By the end of the first half, Rollins held a 52-39 lead.
The Tars shot 53% from the field, 47% from three, and 85 from the free throw line in the first half.
Latimer and Butkus combined for the first eleven points of the second half as Rollins was able to break the Tampa press and get quality looks at the basket.
Michael Niemann provided a spark off the bench, connecting on a pair of jumpers after the first media timeout of the second half.
In all the second half was never really in question as Rollins stuck to their offense, and played hard-nosed defense. They would walk away with an impressive 95-78 win when all was said and done.
The second half saw even more impressive shooting splits from Rollins as they dialed in for 54% from the field, 55% from three, and 79% from the line.
Latimer led the team in scoring with 25 points that included three threes and 12-13 from the free throw line. Butkus was good for 15 points and six rebounds, and
Sergey Grishaev turned in his second straight double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Next up for the Tars is a road game at Saint Leo on Wednesday, February 12. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 following the women's game.
