Fourth-Quarter Struggles Cost No. 15 Spartans at Nova

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The No. 15 University of Tampa Spartans fell to Nova Southeastern due to fourth-quarter struggles.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score:  Nova Southeastern Sharks 73, No. 15 Tampa Spartans 66

Records: Tampa (13-4, 4-2 SSC), Nova Southeastern (10-3, 5-1 SSC)

Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

All-Time: Despite the Spartans' loss, they still have the Sharks' number at a 33-18 record.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

After an opening basket by the Sharks and some shooting struggles by both teams, the Spartans would score their first points with made free throws by Ramsey to tie the game up at 2. For the next 5 minutes, neither team had a two-possession lead. Ramsey would score the Spartan's final 5 points to keep their deficit at 1. | Score: 17-16 Nova

2nd QUARTER

Jones would open the scoring for the Spartans to take Tampa's first lead of the day at 18-17. The Sharks would respond right back and take the lead. After seven lead changes and a Sharks 3-pointer to take a 1-point lead, Jones would knock down a three-pointer to bring the Spartans lead right back. After the Spartans expanded their lead to five, the Sharks would score five straight to head into the half-tied-up. | Score: 32-32 Tied

3rd QUARTER

The Sharks open the half up with an 8-0 scoring run. The Spartans would respond with 8 straight to square things up at 40. The score would become tied up at 47 once again. After a free throw from the Sharks to take the lead, Jones would respond to take a 49-48 lead. However, the Sharks would get the lead before heading into the fourth. | Score: 58-54 Nova

4th QUARTER

The Sharks would score six straight to take an early 10-point lead. Spartans would try to cut their deficit down with a pillar-made layup to cut it to 6; however, that's the closest the Spartans would ever get.   | Score: 73-66 Nova

INSIDE THE STATS

• Piller, Ramsey, Giusto, and Jones all have double-figure points.
• Spartans shot 50% from the field.
• Spartans had 38 points in the paint.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 40% from behind the arch.
• Tampa assisted on 18 of its possessions.
• Tampa's shot 8-9 from the line.

UP NEXT: The No.15 University of Tampa Spartans will continue their road trip to Winter Park and take on Rollins on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 2:00 P.M.