No.8 Spartans Survive Back and Forth Conference Matchup
ST. LEO, Fla. – The No.8 University of Tampa women's basketball team defeats conference foe in back and forth matchup
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final Score No.8 University of Tampa Spartans 68, Saint Leo University Lions 59
Records: Tampa (13-1,5-1) , Saint Leo (9-5, 2-4)
Location: Marion Bowman Activities Center | St. Leo, FL
All-Time Series: The Spartans have a significant 89-16-0 record in the overall series against the Lions.
HOW IT HAPPENED
1st QUARTER
The matchup began with senior guard Melijah Sullivan netting the first points of the game 30 seconds in. The Spartans took an early 7-2 lead with just over three minutes gone in the first quarter. The Lions netted a three point shot to cut into the Tampa lead halfway into the quarter. Tampa built their lead back to four points off of a three point shot by Audrey Ramsey. With just over two and a half minutes left, the conference foes tied the game at 13. After a back and forth first 10 minutes, the Lions finished in the lead. | Score: 20-18 (Saint Leo)
2nd QUARTER
The second quarter opened with Tampa playing great defensively, which lead them down the court to tie the game at 20. Sydney Kin went 2-2 on the free throw line to put the Spartans back in the lead with eight minutes left in the half. The Lions called a timeout with just under six and a half minutes to play to try and decipher the Tampa defense. The teams continued to trade points, with each netting some on their respective offensive possessions. Overall, the Spartans would go into the half with a nine point lead. | Score: 39-30 (Tampa)
3rd QUARTER
Sarah Jones netted a three point shot to open the second half of the game, giving the Spartans their biggest lead of the night. The Lions went on a 7-0 run two minutes into the quarter causing Tampa to call a timeout. Saint Leo cut the Tampa lead down to three with seven minutes left to play in the quarter. The Lions took their first lead of the game with three minutes left, with a score of 48-47. The teams would go into the final 10 minutes with a one point game. | Score: 51-50 (Tampa)
4th QUARTER
The final 10 minutes started with the Spartans building their lead back to three points. Saint Leo was forced to call a timeout after beginning the quarter with missed opportunities. Tampa build their lead back up to five a little over halfway through the final quarter. The Lions cut the Spartan lead back down to one point with three minutes left to play. The Tampa offense exploded to get them back up by seven points with just over one minute left. Ultimately, the Spartans survived this conference matchup. | Final: 67-59 (Tampa)
INSIDE THE STATS
- Sullivan netted a team leading 20 points
- Sydney Kin recorded a team leading 11 rebounds
- Mya Giusto recorded a team leading 11 assists
BEYOND THE BOX
- Sydney Kin averages a double-double per game
- Kin recorded another double-double in tonight's matchup
NEXT UP: The Spartans play their first home game of the new year on Saturday against Rollins at 2:00p.m.