Spartans Defense Too Much For Lions

ST. LEO, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans traveled north to take on the Saint Leo University Lions in the final regular season game of the 2015-16 season. The Spartan defense excelled as they held the Lions to their lowest point total of the season in a 62-37 victory. 

Angela Alvarez led the way for the Spartans as the senior recorded a double-double, as she scored 14 points and came down with 11 rebounds. Jenny Horvatinovic also contributed with double figures, as she scored 11 points. 

Saint Leo jumped out to a first quarter lead as they finished the opening 10 minutes leading 16-11. Tampa would regroup in the second quarter as they would outscore the Lions 16-9. The Spartans went into halftime with a 27-25 advantage. 

Horvatinovic came off the bench to lead UT with 11 first half points on 4-of-7 shooting.  Alvarez would also come off the bench to lead the Spartans with four rebounds. 

Tampa would build on their halftime lead in the third quarter as they outscored Saint Leo 13-7 in the frame. The Spartan defense was key in the quarter as they were able to cause five turnovers and held the Lions to just 25 percent from three-point range. 

UT would continue their dominance in the fourth quarter as they allowed only five points in the final 10 minutes while putting up 22 offensively. 

As a team, Tampa would shoot 46.3 (25-54) from the field and came down with 36 rebounds. UT would also cause 19 turnovers, which led to 16 points off turnovers. The bench also played huge, as they outscored the Lions bench 31-1.

The Spartans will now await their seeding for the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, which begins next Wednesday at conference sites. 

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