Tampa Defeats Embry-Riddle for the Spartans Tenth Straight Victory Over the Eagles

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 15 University of Tampa Spartans defeat Embry-Riddle with big nights from two guards for their 10^th straight win over the Eagles.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score:  No. 15 Tampa Spartans 70, Embry-Riddle Eagles 57

Records: Tampa (13-3, 4-1 SSC), Embry-Riddle (8-3, 2-2 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time: Spartans improve their record to 13-4 over the Eagles and winners of 10 straight.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

After Mya Giusto scored on the opening possession, the Eagles scored 5 straight to take their first lead. After Zoe Piller made two free throws, Sarah Jones would score five straight to take an 8-5 lead. The Eagles would tie it up at 10 with four minutes to go in the quarter. Jones and Giusto, together, would go on an 11-3 run to close out the quarter. | Score: 21-13 Tampa

2nd QUARTER

After Jones made an opening basket, the Eagles would respond with one of their own. Embry-Riddle would call a timeout. They then responded with a 10-1 run to take a 26-24 lead. Tampa would follow with a timeout. Spartans would close the quarter on a 10-5 scoring run to take a 3-point lead heading into the half. | Score: 34-31 Tampa

3rd QUARTER

Piller would start the scoring in the 2^nd half for the Spartans to take a 5-point lead. The Eagles would cut it to two with four minutes to go in the quarter. Giusto would put the team on her back, scoring the Spartan's following points eight points; however, the Tampa lead would remain at 2 heading into the final quarter. | Score: 45-40 Tampa

4th QUARTER

The Eagles would respond, taking a 52-50 lead with 7 minutes to go in the quarter; Jones would knock down a three-ball to take the lead right back for Tampa; however, the Eagles would respond once again. The Spartans wouldn't look back after Piller made a layup to take the lead. | Score: 70-57 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS

• Giusto led the Spartans with 26 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.
• Jones followed with 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
• Piller recorded another double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 51% from the floor and 47.4% behind the arch.
• Tampa assisted on 18 of its possessions.
• Tampa's largest lead was 17.

UP NEXT: The No.15 University of Tampa Spartans will travel to Fort Lauderdale for their first road conference test of the new year as they take on Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Jan.6, at 2:00 P.M.