Spartans Spear Blazers at Home

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: University of Tampa 59, Valdosta State 54
Records: Spartans (7-1, SSC 3-1), Blazers (2-6, GSC 0-2)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Valdosta State leads the all-time series over Tampa, 6-11.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Valdosta State as on the board first with a layup, but Tampa quickly retaliated when Karma Jeremie was sent to the free throw line tying the game 2-2. Both teams alternated leads throughout, but the quarter ended with a layup by Molly Franson tying the game13-13.

2nd Quarter | The Spartans started the second with a jumper shot beyond the arc by Rachel Warden. The Blazers scored off a layup shortly after, but the Spartans were able to maintain the lead for the remainder of the half. Franson leads Tampa with 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Jeremie is the second highest leading point scorer with eight points, five rebounds, and one assist. Staja Tyghter leads the Spartans defensively with seven rebounds. Going into the locker room, Tampa leads Valdosta State 32-20.

3rd Quarter | Tampa started the third with a layup by Jeremie. Seconds after, the Blazers sunk two foul shots, but UT fired back notching two consecutive three-point jumpers by Tyghter. The Spartans were able to stay on top leading the Blazers at the end of the quarter 42-35.

4th Quarter | The first points of the fourth were scored off two Tampa free throws by Franson. Valdosta State made it a two-point game after scoring seven consecutive points. With three minutes remaining, the Blazers took the lead for the first time since the first quarter off a three-point jumper. The teams then went back and forth until a three-point jumper in the last minute by Warden sparked a fuse in the Spartans. At the end of the game, UT was able to hold on to the lead defeating Valdosta State 59-54. Franson led Tampa offensively with 20 points. Jeremie led the team defensively with 10 rebounds also notching 15 points.   

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Molly Franson was the leading point scorer with 20 points, eight rebounds, and one assist.
• Karma Jeremie recorded her second double-double of the season with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists.
• As a team, the Spartans shot 71% from the free throw line.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Molly Franson recorded a career high in points in a single game with 20.
• Rachel Warden had a career high in rebounds with nine.

UP NEXT:
UT will continue their 2017-18 season as they host Barry on Saturday, December 9. The game is slated to start at 2:00 p.m.  Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.