UT Picks up Key South Region Victory

CARROLLTON, Ga. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team capitalized on a critical victory over South Region foe West Georgia, defeating the Wolves by a score of 57-54 in the first day of the West Georgia Thanksgiving Classic. The fourth consecutive victory moves the Spartans to 4-1 on the year as UWG drops to 3-1.

The Wolves picked up a quick lead, taking a 7-3 advantage in the first four minutes of the contest. A 6-0 Tampa run to take their first lead of the game was the second of six first half lead changes. The teams then went to halftime with a 23-23 tie.

The second half was similar to the first as the teams battled for position. The close contest was highlighted by 17 ties. With the score tied at 52-52, UT took the lead for good on a Brittany Ridley free throw with 1:36 remaining. Tampa then stretched its lead to three on a DeShaydia Mackey jumper. Following a pair of free throws by UWG, Mackey hit a shot with 19 second remaining to secure the Spartan victory.

Sheena Walton led the Spartans with a game high 26 points to go with seven rebounds and a season-high six blocked shots. Alexa Kane joined Walton in double figures, as she scored 11. Kane also dished out a team-high six assists in 39 minutes of play.

UT's starting five was particularly impressive, accounting for 49 of the team's 57 points. The Spartans finished the night with a 41.7 percent field goal percentage as it held the Wolves to 25.7.

Tampa concludes play at the classic on Saturday against 11th-ranked Valdosta State, whom UT lost to in the opening round of last year's NCAA tournament by a score of 64-57. The game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.