Tampa Opens Season With Hawaii Showcase
The University of Tampa men’s basketball team enters the 2026‑27 season with fresh energy and a demanding schedule designed to build early momentum. Head coach Linc Darner begins his fourth season with the Spartans and his 21st year as a collegiate head coach. Tampa finished last season with a 16‑12 record and a 10‑10 mark in Sunshine State Conference play, setting the stage for a year of growth and higher expectations. The Spartans launch the new campaign with a marquee trip to Hawaii for the Hoops In Hawaii Tip‑off Classic. Tampa opens against Chaminade on October 30 at 7:30 p.m., followed by two additional games on October 31 and November 1 against opponents to be announced.
PHOTO FROM UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
Home Opener and Early Road Tests
The Spartans return to The Bob Martinez Athletics Center for their home opener on November 9, hosting Beacon at 7:30 p.m. Tampa then heads to Cleveland, Tennessee, for back‑to‑back games against Lee University on November 13 and Miles College on November 14. Conference play begins with a rivalry matchup at Florida Southern on November 18 at 7:30 p.m., followed by Tampa’s SSC home opener against Palm Beach Atlantic on November 21 at 4 p.m. The month closes with two neutral‑site games in St. Petersburg against Bemidji State on November 27 and Puerto Rico‑Bayamon on November 28.
December Features Conference Push and Tampa Classic
December opens with three SSC contests against Rollins, Lynn, and Florida Tech as Tampa looks to establish early conference positioning. The Spartans then host the Tampa Classic, facing Holy Family on December 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Northwood on December 20 at 6 p.m., both at The Bob Martinez Athletics Center.
January and February Build Toward Postseason
The final non‑conference game arrives on January 2 when Tampa welcomes Claflin. The Spartans then navigate a demanding SSC stretch featuring Barry, Embry‑Riddle, Saint Leo, Nova Southeastern, Eckerd, Lynn, and a rematch with Florida Southern on January 27. February includes home games against Embry‑Riddle, Eckerd, and Nova Southeastern, along with road trips to Florida Tech, Saint Leo, Rollins, and Barry.
Spartans Aim for SSC and NCAA Tournament Runs
The regular season concludes on February 28, with Tampa turning its focus to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament from March 2‑7. The Spartans will look to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament beginning March 12.
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