Spartans Spear Tritons in SSC Opener

Tampa prevails over Eckerd in a defensive battle.

Spartans Spear Tritons in SSC Opener
November 15, 2017

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: University of Tampa 48, Eckerd Tritons 44 
Records: Spartans (2-0, SSC 1-0), Tritons (1-1, SSC 0-1)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: UT leads the all-time series record over Eckerd 76-17.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Tampa was first on the board with a three point basket by Faith Sanders. Sanders led the team with six points and one rebound. The Spartans maintained a lead the whole quarter. Their largest lead was by 12 in the last two minutes, following a layup by Karma Jeremie. The Spartans ended the quarter on top 17-8.

2nd Quarter | Eckerd started off the second quarter with a layup, but Tampa quickly retaliated with a three point shot by Emily Eshoo. Staja Tyghter was the second leading point scorer with five points, three rebounds, and two assists. UT was unable to stay on top as Eckerd took their first lead of the game with two minutes remaining. At the end of the quarter, the Spartans trailed the Tritons 25-23. 

3rd Quarter | To start the second half, Eckerd was first on the board with a layup, but the Spartans bounced back with a shot from inside the paint by Sanders. The score remained close the entire quarter, but in the last two minutes, Sophomore Rachel Warden put Tampa in the lead again with a three point basket. UT was able to hold on, ending the quarter with a lead of 33-32.

4th Quarter | Going into the fourth quarter, Jeremie sparked the offense making two free throws after going in for a layup. Warden then followed with another shot beyond the arc. Sanders led the team offensively with 12 points. Tampa kept the lead for the rest of the game ending with a final score of 48-44.

INSIDE THE STATS:

  • Sanders was the leading point scorer with 12 points, three rebounds, and one assist.
  • Tyghter was second with nine points and two assists, but led the team in rebounds with seven.
  • Eshoo had the second most rebounds with six.
  • As a team, the Spartans shot 41 percent from the field compared to the Tritons who shot 29 percent.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:. 

  • This is the first win for the Spartans over the Tritons since the 2015/16 season.

UP NEXT:
 UT will travel to Nova Southeastern to take on the Sharks this Saturday, November 18, with the game slated to start at 5:30 p.m. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.