Sullivan Shines for Tampa in Collegiate Debut

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team took the wire-to-wire victory against Claflin University on Saturday night. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 83, Claflin University Panthers 65
Records: University of Tampa (2-0, 0-0 SSC), Claflin University Panthers (0-2, 0-0 SIAC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: This was the first ever meeting between the two programs.


HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | The Spartans began the game at a rapid pace, going on a 20-2 run to open up the first quarter. Staja Tyghter logged nine points during the stretch, while Emily Eshoo registered five points on a three-pointer and a layup. Claflin's Ashley Fields tallied six points while Tampa out-rebounded Claflin 12-4 in the first ten minutes of play. UT carried a 24-12 lead into the second quarter.

2nd Quarter | The scoring came to a halt in the middle of the quarter as the game went three minutes without a basket. Six different Spartans scored in the quarter and Tampa was able to extend their lead to 42-25 heading into the break. Eshoo scored 11 points in the first half, while Tyghter recorded 11 points and seven rebounds. 

3rd Quarter | Both teams came out of halftime sluggish, as two baskets were made in the first three minutes. However, true freshman Melijah Sullivan went on a run and racked up seven of her 21 points in a 45 second stretch. Fields rallied off eight points during the third quarter for Claflin. 

4th Quarter | Fields scored 13 points in the final period and finished the night with a game-high 29 points, which stands as her career-high as a Panther. The Spartans logged seven made free throws in the final quarter and ultimately won the match 83-65. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Sullivan, a true freshman from Winter Haven HS, went 9-10 from the field and rattled off 21 points in her collegiate debut.
• Tyghter nearly entered triple-double range as she logged 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists. 
• Dori Nagy accumulated nine rebounds in her second game as a Spartan.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Eshoo finished with 18 points following her 14 point, career-high 16 rebound performance on Friday. The senior from Naperville, Ill. logged 14-plus points in consecutive games only once last season. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa will host Puerto-Rico Mayaguez next Sunday, November 18 at 5 p.m. at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. 

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