Panthers Defeat Spartans In Defensive Battle

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team traveled to Melbourne to take on the Florida Tech Panthers. FIT would take the defensive battle as they pulled out the 49-46 victory. Following the loss, the Spartans drop to 11-9 and 5-5 in the SSC while the Panthers improve to 13-5 and 7-2 in conference play.

Juliana Cavallaro would lead the team in scoring as she was the only Spartan to reach double figures at 10 points. She also added seven rebounds on the night.

Angela Alvarez and Ellen Nurmi would add eight points apiece, as Alvarez pulled down nine rebounds off the bench.

In the first quarter of play, Tampa controlled the pace of the game, as they outscored Florida Tech 19-13. The Panthers would control the second quarter of play as they outscored the Spartans 13-7. The two teams went into the half tied at 26 points apiece.

Taylor McVey led the charge in the opening half, as the senior recorded seven points and pulled down seven rebounds. As a team UT shot 36 percent (9-25) while FIT shot 35.5 percent (11-31).

In the second half, the two teams continued to trade baskets as the lead changed back and forth, as Tampa won the quarter 11-10 and the Spartans would head into the fourth quarter holding a 37-36 lead over the Panthers.

With the game tied at 41, Julie McCarthy scored back-to-back layups to give Florida Tech a 45-41 lead. Tampa would pull within one point at 47-46, as Cavallaro hit a three-pointer with 16 seconds left in the game. FIT would convert on their two free throws after a UT foul to give them a 49-46 lead. The final shot for the Spartans would just miss as the Panthers would claim the victory.

Tampa will be back in action on February 3 as they travel to Daytona Beach to square off against the Embry-Riddle Eagles.

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