Tampa Falls to Saint Leo in SSC Semifinals

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The University of Tampa (19-9) women's basketball team was eliminated from the 2013 Sunshine State Conference Tournament in a 76-60 loss to Saint Leo University (14-14).

The Lions led for the final 13 minutes of the first half as the lead swelled to as many as 21 points before a 12-1 Tampa run cut the Saint Leo lead to 10. SLU was able to hold off a Tampa comeback attempt as UT was 1-for-5 from the field in the final two minutes of regulation.

Tampa had four starters in double figures, led by 14 for Shamika Williams. Illyssa Vivo added 12 while Sadie Oyer and Juliana Cavallaro contributed 11 and 10 points respectively. Vivo also held team honors with eight rebounds and four assists.

Saint Leo shot 48.2 percent from the field and also outrebounded the Spartans 39-34. The Lions also displayed a superb offensive effort with just four turnovers.

Tampa will now await word on the 2013 NCAA Tournament as the field will be announced on Sunday at 10 p.m. A total of eight South Region schools will earn an invitation. UT was No. 9 in the previous regional poll, though the Spartans handed No. 8 Eckerd a first-round loss in the SSC tournament.

The NCAA selection show can be viewed through www.ncaa.com/liveschedule.

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