COLUMBIA, S.C. --- In their first game of the 2024-2025 season, the Allen University men's basketball team fell to the University of Tampa Friday, 75-64. 

Throughout the first half, both teams exchanged leads as the first 20 minutes saw the lead change 12 times and tied another seven.  The Yellow Jackets started off on the right foot as they shot 52% from the floor and made nine-of-11 free throw attempts in the first half. At the break, Allen was in front by nine points, 37-28. 

Coming out of the locker rooms, Tampa was able to find their rhythm beyond the three-point line as the Spartans sank eight shots from the perimeter in the second half to pull ahead. With 13:18 left to play, Allen's Ethan Hill sank a three-point shot of his own to push the Yellow Jackets back in front, 49-47. However, that would be the last time that Allen led Friday night as Tampa completed their comeback effort to hand the Yellow Jackets their first loss of the season. 

Junior guard Mike Best was Allen's leading scorer with 10 points, an effort that included a perfect four-for-four night at the free-throw line. Tavis Bridges followed Best with nine points to pair with five rebounds. The top six scorers for the Yellow Jackets were all returning players from the 2023-2024 squad. 

Allen is back in action tomorrow, Saturday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m. The Yellow Jackets will host Eckerd College inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.