Spartans Fall to Nova Southeastern

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team could not rally after Nova Southeastern drained five three-pointers in the first quarter. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final Score: Nova Southeastern 66, Tampa 52
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (10-5, 4-3 SSC), Nova Southeastern University Sharks (7-7, 4-4 SSC) 
Location: Rick Case Arena || Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
All-Time Series: Tampa leads 27-16 but NSU has taken the three of the last four at the Rick Case Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | The Sharks went on a 14-6 scoring stretch to begin the game, as four different players converted long-range jumpers for Nova Southeastern. UT committed six turnovers in the opening quarter, while NSU tallied six points off turnover in the first quarter. Staja Tyghter scored on a post-move layup and tacked on two free-throws to log four points in the quarter. The Spartans trailed 21-9 heading to the second quarter.

2nd Quarter | In the second quarter, Tampa held NSU to 1-of-7 (14%) from long-range. Emily Eshoo has drained a three-pointer in 12 of 15 games. Eshoo registered two three-pointers in the period, however UT did not reach the free-throw line in the second quarter. The Spartans committed 10 turnovers in the first half as Alison Hughes swiped four steals. At halftime, NSU's Hughes logged a game-high eight points. Tampa trailed 34-21 as they headed to the break. 

3rd Quarter | The Spartans began to feed the low-post and Dori Nagy found her rhythm coming out of the locker-room, as she scored the 12 points in the quarter. Nova Southeastern kept the ball in Hughes' hot hand as she drained several three-pointers, additionally she grabbed two more steals. After three quarters of play, Tampa trailed 52-39.  

4th Quarter | Tyghter hit a mid-range jumper to open the quarter, however NSU followed up with an 11-2 run. Tyghter finished with 12 points and tied for a team-high six rebounds. Nagy accumulated six rebounds as well, and she led the team with 17 points. NSU's Hughes ended the game with 23 points, connecting on 5-of-10 three-pointers, while she racked up six steals.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Nagy has scored 13+ points in the last nine of 10 games.
• Despite the sharp shooting in the first quarter, UT held NSU to 36% from the three-point line. On the season, Tampa has limited opponents to 34% shooting from long-range.
• Tampa logged only one steal, the fewest in a game this season. 

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Tyghter has scored in double-figures in 14 straight games.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa is set to host Saint Leo on Wednesday, January 16, as tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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