No. 3 Spartans Defeat PBA in Rematch on the Road

No. 3 Spartans Defeat PBA in Rematch on the Road
February 4, 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The No.3 University of Tampa women's basketball team defeat PBA in rematch on the road.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: No. 3 University of Tampa Spartans 60, Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish 44

Records: Tampa (21-1, 13-1 SSC), PBA (9-21, 5-10 SSC)

Location: Rubin Arena | West Palm Beach, FL

All-Time Series: The Spartans lead the series 30-4 with their largest margin being 66, in their matchup on December 5, 1998 with a final score of 103-37. In their last meet up the Sailfish defeated the Spartans 79-76 in overtime making that the Spartans only loss this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

The game started with Melijah Sullivan scoring the first of many shots. PBA quickly caught up as they took the lead with just over 8:30 left. An assist from Mya Giusto to Sydney Kin put Tampa back on top. Scoring between the two teams was back and forth but Tampa remained in front. Tampa's lead didn't last long as the game was then tied at 16 with just under 2:30 left. A layup from Giusto put Tampa up 21-18 to close out the first quarter. Melijah Sullivan finished this quarter with 14 points. Score: 21-18 (Tampa)

2nd QUARTER

The second quarter started with Sullivan scoring again adding to her 14 points. Tampa's defense stood their ground preventing PBA from making any shots. From here, Tampa's offense followed with consecutive points being scored. This resulted in PBA taking a timeout stopping Tampa's momentum. Out of the timeout, PBA scores knocking Tampa's lead to seven. Despite this, Tampa continued pounding the ball to the rim. A three from Giusto puts Tampa on a 7-0 run. Another three from Sarah Jones extends Tampa's lead to 15 as they remained on top going into halftime. Score: 38-25 (Tampa)

3rd QUARTER

An easy layup from Kin opens the third quarter for the Spartans. Giusto takes a charge then Tampa goes down the floor and Kin scores again. Tampa experienced a slight shooting drought with three consecutive turnovers as PBA chipped the lead to 10. A silky behind the head pass from Giusto to Jones in transition puts Tampa up 44-32. A three from Giusto put her at 13 points for the night while extending Tampa's lead to 13. A layup from Sullivan and a layup from PBA closes out the third quarter. Score: 49-38 (Tampa)

4th QUARTER

The last 10 minutes started with PBA scoring first. Sullivan responded back with a layup of her own. Sullivan then makes a pass through a small window to Kin putting Tampa up 53-40 with a little over seven minutes left in the game. From here, both teams experienced a scoring drought as they struggled to put the ball in the hoop. In spite of this, Tampa still managed to go on a 7-0 run after a three pointer from Eleanore Marciszewski. Tampa closed out the game in front as they sought to earn back their only loss on the season. Score: 60-44 (Tampa)

 INSIDE THE STATS

 

BEYOND THE BOX

  • Kin's points from tonight put her within 1 point of having 2,000 career points
  • Giusto and Jones both played the entire 40 minutes
  • Kin and Sullivan combined for 42 out of the 60 points Tampa scored
  • This is Sullivan's fifth game this season scoring 20 or more points

NEXT UP: The Spartans travel back home as they take on St. Leo on Wednesday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m.