Spartans Declaw Panthers

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Tampa Spartans 57, Florida Tech Panthers 38
Records: Tampa (16-7, 9-7 SSC), Florida Tech (9-12, 6-9 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: The Spartans lead the all-time series with the Tars, 38-35.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The Spartans were first on the board with back-to-back layups from Staja Tyghter. However, the Panthers were quick to answer with a series of consecutive baskets that gave them the lead. Emily Eshoo then drained the Spartans first three pointer tying the game at 9. At the end of the first quarter, the game remained tied, 11 all. The Spartans started the second quarter with a jump shot from Aliyah Abney. UT continued to dominate for the remainder of the quarter, holding Florida Tech to just five points, and heading into halftime on top, 28-16.

2nd Half | With fresh legs coming out of the locker room, Tampa won the jump ball and was the first team to score with a jump shot from Molly Franson. Rachel Warden, Emily Eshoo, and Abney all contributed to the Spartans offense heading into the media timeout on top of the Panthers 40-19. At the end of the third quarter, the University of Tampa led the Florida Institute of Technology 45-25. The first two minutes of the fourth quarter remained scoreless until the Panthers managed the end the drought. However, despite the Panthers best efforts, they were unable to stop the Spartans from running away with the victory. UT defeated Florida Tech 57-38.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Eshoo led the offense with 17 points for the Spartans.
• Karma Jeremie led the defensive efforts for UT with 10 rebounds. Additionally, she led the team in assists with six.
• Abney was the second leading point scorer with 14.
• Marcella Benner went 2-2 from behind the free throw line, earning the first points of her collegiate career.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Tampa has extended their winning streak to four games.

UP NEXT:
Tampa will travel to West Palm Beach, to take on the Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish for a mid-week matchup on Wednesday, February 17^th. The game is slated to start at 5:30 p.m.