Tampa Women's Basketball Opens Season 2-0

TAMPA, Fla.  – The University of Tampa women's basketball team defeated the University of West Georgia Wolves in their second game of the season. The Spartans won with a final score of 71-68.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: University of Tampa 71, University of West Georgia 68 
Records: Spartans (2-0), Wolves (1-1)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: UT leads the all-time series record over UWG 5-4.
Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | To start the game, Tampa was the first one on the board, with a three pointer from Emily Eshoo. Eshoo led the team with six points in the quarter. Following the first basket, there was a pretty even exchange between the two teams. However, at the end of the firs, West Georgia had the lead 20-15. This was mainly due to UWG's defense. The Wolves stole the ball 6 times compared to Tampa who only had 2 team steals.

2nd Quarter | Heading into the second quarter, it was Staja Tyghter who led the Spartans on offense with 6 points… logging 11 for the half. Additionally, Tyghter also led the team in rebounds with five total, one offensive, and four on defense. From the line, Aliyah Abney was 4-4 for the Spartans. Heading into the locker room, the Spartans held the lead over the Wolves 34-28.

3rd Quarter | To start the second half, Tampa was the first on the board with a layup from Karma Jeremie. Following Jeremie's opening breakaway, Molly Franson logged a layup, followed by Eshoo draining another three. Sophomore Rachel Warden took the court with fresh legs following the half, as she led the Spartans with seven points. To end the third Tampa held the lead 55-43.

4th Quarter | Tampa continued to show strength on the court in the fourth. Jeremie scored the first points for UT, draining her two free throws. Franson stepped up for the Spartans, leading them with eight points in the quarter. With 3:33 remaining the Spartans continued to beat the Wolves 66-58, forcing UWG to call a timeout. West Georgia battled back, but despite the Wolves best efforts, Tampa got the victory 71-68.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Franson and Tyghter were the leading point scorers for the Spartans, each with 16 points. Tyghter also led the team in rebounds with 11.
• Jeremie was the second leading point scorer with 11 points in addition to her five rebound, four assists, and one steal. 
• As a team, the Spartans shot 40 percent from the field. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:. 

• Three Spartans scored in double figures, Tyghter and Franson with 16, followed by Jeremie with 11.  

UP NEXT:
UT will host the Eckerd Tritons on Wednesday, November 15, with the game slated to start at 5:30 p.m. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.

TAMPA SPARTANS MOBILE APP:
A free app is also available for free download through Apple and Google Play stores. Please search for Tampa Spartans Front Row.

RECEIVE TEXT AN EMAIL ALERTS:
UT also offers free messaging service for text and/or email, which sends alerts and press releases for Spartan teams. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.