Oilers Grind Past Spartans

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team allowed a fourth quarter lead to slip away against Findlay in the final game of the Holiday Classic.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Findlay 57, Tampa 56

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (8-3, 2-1 SSC), University of Findlay Oilers (7-3, 4-2 GMAC)

Location: Martinez Athletics Center || Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: This was the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Dori Nagy registered the first four points for UT as the Spartans got off to a quick start. Tampa shot 4-of-9 (44%) from the field in the first quarter, while UT converted on seven of nine free-throw attempts. Defensively, the Spartans held the Oilers to 5-of-15 (33%) shooting from the field. Findlay was able to convert on second-chance opportunities as they grabbed four offensive rebounds in the opening quarter. Nagy led the team with eight points in eight minutes of play, and Staja Tyghter owned the glass with five rebounds in the first period. 

2nd Quarter | Tampa shared the wealth in the second quarter as four different players scored. Julia Ingram splashed two three-pointers and totaled eight points in seven minutes of play. Lauren Kotey stepped up for the Spartans as Nagy found herself in foul trouble. Kotey grabbed four rebounds and tallied two blocks in the quarter, however, Findlay out-rebounded UT in the half 19-18. Tampa did not reach the free-throw line in the second quarter. Tyghter accumulated seven rebounds during the first half, while scoring four points and dishing out two assists. Entering the break, Ingram drained a long-range jumper to extend the lead to 30-20.

3rd Quarter | Coming out of the locker-room, Findlay was efficient from the field as they shot 9-of-13 (69%) in the quarter. UF's offense produced a 20-point third quarter, in part to Elissa Ellerbrock who knocked down two three-pointers. Emily Eshoo converted four free-throw opportunities and totaled seven points in the third period. Tyghter added six points for the Spartans as UT entered the final quarter with an eight point lead, 48-40.

4th Quarter | Tampa held an eight point advantage entering the final period, but Findlay grinded their way back into the game. With 1:18 remaining and the game tied at 54, UF's head coach Jim Wiedie received a technical foul in crunch time. Eshoo stepped to the charity stripe and cashed both attempts to take a two point lead. With 20 seconds remaining, Findlay's Anna Hintz hit a step-back three-pointer as the shot clock expired to take a 57-56 lead. Eshoo had an opportunity at a game-winner as she took a step-back and pulled up from three-point range, however the shot came up short as the buzzer rang at the Martinez Center. The Spartans were held to eight points in the final period on 33% shooting from the field. Hintz registered 10 points in the fourth quarter, while Ellerbrock notched seven points, in part to a Findlay comeback. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa scored eight points in the fourth quarter, the second-fewest points in a quarter this season. 
• Tyghter has scored 10+ points while grabbing eight-plus rebounds in eight games this season.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• It was the first loss at the Martinez Athletics Center this season; Tampa is 12-3 in the last 15 games at home.
• Head coach Tom Jessee currently sits at 498 career victories.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa heads to Daytona Beach next Saturday, December 29 as tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. against Embry-Riddle.

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