Spartans Fall to No. 18 Florida Southern

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Florida Southern Mocs 69, Tampa Spartans 53
Records: Florida Southern (22-3, 17-2 SSC), Tampa (17-9, 10-9 SSC)
Location: Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa trails the all-time series record with Florida Southern, 37-60.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The competition between the Spartans and the Mocs started with a three-pointer from Rachel Warden, putting the Spartans on the board first. Florida Southern wasted no time scoring their first points as they scored on a jumper on the next drive. Both teams traded baskets for the majority of the first quarter until the Mocs took a four point lead to head into the second period. The Mocs took their largest lead yet, four minutes into the second quarter. Warden closed in on the lead after hitting a three point shot. The Mocs held on securely to their lead as they led by as many as 11 heading into half time.  

2nd Half | The Mocs came out of halftime much like they went in, as they were the first to score to open play in the second half. Molly Franson was the first Spartan to score in the third quarter on a layup. Franson then scored again on a jumper assisted by Staja Tyghter. This run by the Spartans cut the Mocs lead to 12 points and eventually 10 after an Emily Eshoo layup. Florida Southern continued to maintain their lead as they kept the Spartans at a 14 point deficit. The Spartans were unable to close in on the Mocs lead and were defeated 69-53.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Warden was the leading point scorer for the Spartans with 12 points. 
• Eshoo was the second leading point scorer with 11 points. 

UP NEXT:
Tampa will travel to Miami on Saturday, February 24th to square off against Barry University at 2 p.m.