Spartans Fall In SSC Semifinal To Sharks
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans faced off against rival Nova Southeastern Sharks on Saturday afternoon in the Silver Spurs Arena for a chance to play in the SSC championship game. The Sharks used a dominating second half to defeat the Spartans 67-40.
Tampa ends their season on 17-11, while Nova advances to the championship game with a 23-5 record.
Senior Aisha Rodney led the way for Tampa, as she dropped 10 points on the day. She also added five rebounds. Junior Taylor McVey led the way on the boards, as she pulled in nine rebounds.
Juliana Cavallao and Candace Martino each added seven points, while Vanessa Sylvain and McVey each notched five points.
The Sharks and Spartans were evenly matched as the two teams were tied at 16 with 8:24 left to play in the first half. NSU then used a 13-2 run to end the half with a 29-18 lead. UT was productive down in the post, as the two center, Rodney and McVey combined for 13 of the 18 points.
In the second half of play, Nova Southeastern pulled away from Tampa, as the Spartans went cold from the field as they were only able to knock down six field goals. NSU was able to shoot 50% from the field, as they made 13 of 26 shots in the final 20 minutes.
The Sharks held a big advantage on the glass, as they out rebounded Tampa 40-28, including 14 offensive rebounds.
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