Tyghter Leads Spartans To Tampa Classic Sweep

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: University of Tampa 67, Malone 50
Records: Spartans (10-2), Pioneers (3-5)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa improves to 2-0 in the all-time series against Malone.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | The Spartans opened the scoring on a jumper by Staja Tyghter as part of a 7-0 run to begin the game. Malone cut the deficit to 11-5 following two scores in as many minutes before Tampa went on a 9-0 run over 4:24, finishing the quarter with a 20-7 lead. Karma Jeremie led the team with 6 rebounds and 5 points.

2nd Quarter | The Pioneers mounted a comeback throughut much of the second quarter, outscoring the Spartans 13-7 over the first 7:09. A Malone foul turned things around for Tampa, who went on a 10-0 run prior to allowing a last second score on a layup by Holly Groff. Tyghter and Emily Eshoo each scored seven points as UT built a 37-22 lead at the half. 

3rd Quarter | Tampa and Malone traded scores throughout the quarter with the Spartans narrowly extending their lead by five to 20 points, at 58-38. Faith Sanders led the team with seven points. 

4th Quarter | After a quick layup by Jeremie in the opening minute, the Spartans went on a near five-minute scoring drought that allowed the Pioneers to cut the lead back to 15 points, at 60-45. Tampa got back on the board on a jumper by Molly Franson and limited Malone to five points the rest of the way to hold on for the win. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa shot 51 percent from the field and 31 percent from three.
• The Spartans outrebounded the Pioneers, 36-25.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Jeremie posted her third game with both double-digit rebounds and points.
• Tyghter recorded double-digit points for the sixth time in her last seven contests, leading the team in points for the third time this season.

UP NEXT:
The Spartans resume play on the road on Saturday, December 30th against the Embry-Riddle Eagles in Daytona Beach, Fla. Live stats and a live video webcast will be provided through www.tampaspartans.com.