Spartans Claw Their Way To Victory Over Lions

TAMPA, Fla. - Junior Juliana Cavallaro lead the way for Tampa as she recorded 22 points in the Spartans 62-53 victory over the Saint Leo Lions.

The victory moves Tampa to 9-5, 3-2 SSC on the year, while Saint Leo falls to 5-9, 0-5 SSC.

In the first half of play, Saint Leo used a strong offensive performance, which saw them shoot 16-25 (64%) from the field. The Lions were lead by senior Kinnara Lewis who put up 19 points in the opening period of play. The Lions led by as many as 21 points in the period, as they headed into the break with the lead at 38-21.

Tampa used a 12-4 run in the first five minutes of the second half to bring down the Lions lead to nine points. Over the next couple minutes the teams continued to trade baskets.

With 5:16 left in the game, Senior Aisha Rodney made a lay up to tie the game at 51. On the next Tampa possession, Cavallaro was fouled and knocked down both free throws to give Tampa their first lead of the game. Tampa would not trail again for the remainder of the game as freshmen Karma Jeremie added the dagger, as she recorded an offensive rebound off a missed free throw, and made the layup after being fouled.

The UT defense stepped up the pressure in the second half, as they held Lewis to only four second half points. As a team SLU shot 6-25 (24%) from the field, while Tampa uses a 14-24 (58.3) effort.

Senior Aisha Rodney added 19 points, while Jeremie collected a game high 10 rebounds.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday, as they host Palm Beach Atlantic in a non-conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 2:00 P.M.

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