Tom Jessee Earns 100th UT Victory in Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team overpowered Ohio Valley University as the Spartans gave head coach Tom Jessee his 100th career victory at UT. The 79-54 victory moves Tampa to 2-1 on the season as the Fighting Scots drop to 0-1.

The game remained a back and forth battle for the first seven minutes before UT pulled away. Trailing 6-5 with 14:45 remaining in the first half, Tampa took the lead for good as it went on a 12-0 run that put away the Fighting Scots.

Tampa's lead was stretched to as many as 16 points in the first half, though OVU cut the advantage to 10 at the half. UT maintained the double figure lead for all but one possession of the second half while leading by as many as 26.

The Spartans had four players with double figures, as Hailee Sullivan and Kym Taylor each had 13. Erica Woodard added 12 while Sheena Walton had 11. Coming off the bench, Taylor also added nine rebounds and two blocks while connecting on 5-8 from the field. Sullivan led all Spartans with two three-pointers.

Woodard enjoyed a solid all-around performance, as she went 5-6 from the field. Her 12 rebounds secured her first double-double of the season as her five assists set a new career high.

Tampa shot 49.2 percent from the field while holding Ohio Valley to a 35.5 clip. The Spartans also forced 21 turnovers.

With a record of 100-52 at Tampa, Jessee is currently second in program history in victories. His .658 winning percentage represents a UT record as he is now 270-141 in college ranks.

The Spartans return to action on Wednesday as they host Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. Game time is 5:30 p.m., from the Martinez Center.