Spartans Bounce Back in SSC Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team bounced back in the SSC home opener and took down Barry University 69-56 on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans continued to cause havoc on defense and remained undefeated at the Martinez Athletics Center. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa Spartans 69, Barry Buccaneers 56

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (6-1, 1-1 SSC), Barry University Buccaneers (2-5, 0-2 SSC)

Location: Robert Martinez Athletics Center

All-Time Series: Tampa leads 47-25; Tampa has won the last four of five meetings at home.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Coming out of the locker room, the Sunshine State Conference foes started quickly as both teams began the game shooting 3 of 4 from the field. Melijah Sullivan, a freshman from Bartow, jump-started the offense with five points in the first four minutes of play, while Dori Nagy notched eight points in the first ten minute period. Tampa had three scoring stretches where they made three straight baskets. The Spartans defense kept Barry in check as the Buccaneers went 0-for-8 towards the end of the first quarter. Entering the second quarter, UT led 23-20 in the SSC home opener. 

2nd Quarter | The Spartans went on a 12-0 run in the middle of the quarter, in part to senior leader Staja Tyghter guiding the offense with nine points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes of play. The defense stepped up for UT, holding the Buccaneers to 18.2% shooting in the second quarter. The offense used their height advantage and worked the ball into the post, where UT scored 14 points in the paint compared to Barry's six in the first half. Tampa held a 39-26 advantage heading into the halftime break.

3rd Quarter | Kris Nelson provided a spark coming out of halftime, as Nelson registered six points in the period. Tampa's defense applied the clamps, starting mid-way through the second quarter throughout the third quarter, Barry shot 4 of 22 from the field. UT continued to apply pressure in the paint as the Spartans scored six of seven baskets off lay-up opportunities. Entering the final quarter of play, Tampa led 55-38 over Barry.

4th Quarter | Barry applied a full-court press on defense which caused issues for UT, however the Spartans double-digit lead was too much for the Buccaneers. Tampa went without a field goal in the final 5:39 of the contest. Barry's Ida Andersson drained three long-range baskets in the final ten minutes, totaling 17 points on the afternoon. UT shared the wealth on offense which led to 19 assists compared to Barry's eight assisted buckets. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tyghter posted a double-double for the second time this season, posting 17 points and 13 rebounds.
• Nagy logged 16 points, her career-high as a Spartan.
• Nelson dished out a career-high six assists and held Barry's leading scorer, Nichel Tampa, to 1 of 13 shooting from the field. 

 BEYOND THE BOX:

• Since the beginning of last season, the Spartans are 18-3 at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. 
• With the victory this afternoon, head coach Tom Jessee sits at 496 career wins.  

UP NEXT: Tampa will travel to Valdosta State on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. tip off in Valdosta, Ga.

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