Spartans Edge Lions In Overtime

TAMPA, Fla.  – The University of Tampa women's basketball team defeated Saint Leo University in overtime, 69-63, denying the Lions their first conference win. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 69, Saint Leo 63
Records: Spartans (10-3, 5-1 SSC), Lions (5-8, 0-6 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Sports Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa improves to 77-16 in the all-time series. 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Saint Leo scored first on a three-point shot by Izabell Skoogh, opening up an early 10-2 lead in the three minutes that followed. Tampa then closed the gap with a 7-0 run over 3:18 prior to the Lions tacking on the quarter's final basket to lead by three, 12-9. Elena de Alfredo, Karma Jeremie and Jenny Horvatinovic each scored three points for UT. Jeremie was the only Spartan with multiple rebounds, finishing with six.

2nd Quarter | The Lions again opened up the scoring with a 5-0 run prior to the Spartans' first basket. Saint Leo stretched their lead to eight points on three occasions, finishing the quarter on top by six, 30-24. de Alfredo led Tampa with six points and two rebounds, with Horvatinovic finishing right behind her with five points contributed.

3rd Quarter | Tampa and Saint Leo traded baskets throughout the quarter, with the Lions maintaining a six-point lead at the conclusion of play. de Alfredo and Morgan Lumb led the Spartans, contributing five points. Jeremie led on defense with four rebounds. 

4th Quarter | The Lions scored first on a free throw by Ragen Dotson, but the Spartans responded with a 6-0 run over 2:38 to trim the deficit to a single point for the first time in the game. Tampa tied the game with 40 seconds remaining on a jumper by Faith Sanders to send the game into overtime. 

Overtime | Tampa took their first lead on the game 1:14 into overtime on consecutive successful free throws by Horvatinovic. Saint Leo later tied the game on a jumper by Chelsy Springs, but the Spartans immediately recaptured a two-point advantage on a jumper by de Alfredo. UT remained ahead, finishing on top, 69-63.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa outrebounded Saint Leo, 38-26.
• The Spartans outscored the Lions from the bench, 69-63. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Tampa recorded their first overtime win since February 8, 2014 vs. Florida Tech.
• Horvatinovic, who gave Tampa their first lead of the game in overtime, recorded a new career-high 15 points.
• de Alfredo contributed 25 points, a new season-high for UT.
• Jeremie posted her third double-double of the season, remaining the only Spartan with such a performance this season. 

UP NEXT:
UT will head to St. Petersburg on Wednesday, January 11 for a 5:30 p.m. matchup with Eckerd. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.

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