Spartans Survive Shark Attack

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Nova Southeastern Sharks 69, Tampa Spartans 76
Records: Tampa (13-7, 6-7 SSC), Nova (9-10, 5-8 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series with the Sharks, 27-15.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The competition started with a layup from Karma Jeremie. Nova was quick to respond, draining the game's first three-pointer. The remainder of the quarter was a back and forth shootout, with neither team able to pull ahead. However, at the end of the first quarter, Nova took the lead 20-15. To start the second quarter Nova was the first team on the board with another three for the Sharks. The Spartans battled back with baskets from both Aliyah Abney and Molly Franson. Late in the quarter, Julia Ingram was the first Spartan to score a three-pointer making the score, Tampa 28, Nova 32.  Heading into halftime it was Abney who led the Spartans on offense with 10 points, but despite her best efforts, the Spartans trailed the Sharks 39-32.
2nd Half | Aliyah Abney started the second half right where she left off, with a jump shot putting the Spartans on the board first. The Spartans and the Sharks traded points throughout the third quarter but UT was never able to close the gap on Nova's lead. Heading into the fourth, Nova remained on top with a score of 54-48. Abney continued to command the Spartan's offense, scoring the first basket of the fourth quarter, and bringing Tampa within three points. With 6:50 left in the game Rachel Warden sunk a three, tying the game at 58. After being fouled, Molly Franson made both of her free throws giving Tampa their first lead of the game 60-58. The remainder of the game was a nail-biter, with both teams switching leads. However, Tampa showed resilience and defeated the Sharks with a final score of 76-69.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Ingram earned a career-high of five points. Additionally, she recorded a rebound for the Spartans.  
• Abney led the offense with 23 points and earned a new career high. 
• Abney also led the team with two steals. 
• Both Franson and Jeremie led the team on defense with six rebounds apiece.
• Jeremie was the second leading point scorer with 16 points. 

UP NEXT:
Tampa will host Saint Leo University on Wednesday, January 31st at 5:30 p.m. in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. 

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