Spartans Defeat Florida Tech in Impressive Shooting Performance

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 24 University of Tampa Spartans defeated Florida Tech behind an impressive shooting performance.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score:  No. 24 Tampa Spartans 85, Florida Tech Panthers 72

Records: Tampa (15-4, 6-2 SSC), Florida Tech (5-14, 0-8 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time: Spartans improve their record to 11 straight over the Panthers and overall, to 47-35.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

After an opening basket by the Panthers, the Spartans would start scoring with four straight points from baskets via Sarah Jones and Zoe Piller. The following four minutes had four lead changes, with the Spartans leading 12-11. Audrey Ramsey would follow with four straight points to increase the Spartans lead to 16-11. The Spartans would expand their lead to 8 before the quarter ended. | Score: 23-15 Tampa

2nd QUARTER

Despite a Mya Giusto three-pointer to start the quarter, the Panthers would go on a 13-5 to cut it to three. The Spartans would respond by going on a 7-0 run to take a 38-28 lead. The Panthers would cut it to nine before entering the half. | Score: 46-37 Tampa

3rd QUARTER

Piller would open the second half with four straight points to expand the Spartans lead to 50-37. After the Panthers cut into their deficit, Piller would carry the Spartans load, scoring the quarter's final four points. | Score: 58-50 Tampa

4th QUARTER

After a pair of free throws made by Kath Van Bennekom and one by the Panthers, the Spartans would go on a comfortable 7-0 scoring run to give the Spartans some breathing room with a 16-point lead. That would be enough for Tampa to hold the lead before the clock struck zero. | Score: 85-72 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS

• Piller led all Spartans with 26 points and 2 rebounds.
• Ramsey recorded 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists.
• Giusto had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Tampa shot 59.2% from the floor, 43.8% behind the arch, and 87% from the line.
• Tampa had 38 points in the paint.
• Tampa had only 9 turnovers compared to the Panthers' 14.

UP NEXT: The No. 24 University of Tampa Spartans will continue their homestand as they take on Barry on Saturday, January 20^th, at 2:00 P.M.