February 16, 2013

Sharks Take Regular Season Series Over Spartans

Box score

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A Saturday afternoon Sunshine State Conference women's basketball game between the University of Tampa (14-8, 4-8 SSC) and Nova Southeastern University (16-6, 8-4 SSC) results in a 65-56 NSU victory over the Spartans.

The Spartans scored the first two baskets of the game and held a 14-13 lead when Nova went on a 16-0 run over the next six minutes to take a 29-14 lead with 3:52 to play until half. The Spartans would cut into the deficit with a 9-0 run of their own as they trailed by just six at the break.

Tampa would come no closer than seven points in the second half as the Sharks went on a 15-3 run to grab a 56-37 advantage with 5:54 to play in regulation. Tampa would not go away easily as it would challenge the Sharks while outscoring the home team 17-6 over the final four minutes.

Juliana Cavallaro and Moriah Hodge led Tampa with 15 and 13 points respectively while Catherine Matthews also added nine. Hodge also had six rebounds to lead all Spartans as Illyssa Vivo turned in three assists and four steals.

The Spartans had the edge in two major categories, outshooting the Sharks 46.7 percent to 42.9. UT also outrebounded its opponent 36-29. Tampa was hindered by 24 turnovers as Nova also capitalized on 10 baskets from long range. Nova southeastern finished with a 27-12 edge in points off turnovers.

Tampa is back on the road again on Wednesday when it travels to Saint Leo University for a 5:30 p.m., meeting with the Lions. The matchup will also feature the lone head coaches in college sports who compete against each other while married in UT's Tom Jessee and SLU's Nikki Jessee.

Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.com.

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