Woodard Leads Tampa to Victory Over Rival Florida Southern
TAMPA, Fla. - A career high by Erica Woodard proved to be a major deciding point as The University of Tampa women's basketball team defeated Florida Southern College by a score of 80-69. The Spartans are now 18-6 on the season and 10-3 in the Sunshine State Conference, marking the second consecutive 10-plus victory season in SSC play for UT. The Mocs drop to 9-16 overall and 4-10 in the SSC.
Florida Southern came out of the gates on fire, shooting over 80 percent from the field for the first 15 minutes of the first half. The Mocs, who led by as many as 10 points (13:16 in first half), took a 36-34 lead into the half after UT scored the final four points of the half.
The Spartans dominated in the second half, regaining the lead at the 18:27 mark at 40-38. The contest remained within six points in Tampa's favor until UT opened up a seven point lead at 66-59 with 7:50 remaining in the game. UT then finished off the game by going on a 13-2 run in the game's final 40 seconds.
Woodard finished the game with 22 points, marking a new career high for the junior from Tampa. She also added 11 rebounds as one of two Spartans to record a double-double.
Sheena Walton also contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds while leading the team with three blocked shots. Walton also connected on 6-7 shots from field goal range. Alexa Kane also turned in a 17 point performance with a team high six assists.
UT returns to action on Saturday as they travel to Boca Raton to face Lynn. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.