Spartans Continue Home Cooking against Saint Leo

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team showcased their defensive abilities against Saint Leo on Wednesday night, allowing only 46 points to the Lions offense. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final Score: Tampa 59, Saint Leo 46
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (11-5, 5-3 SSC), Saint Leo University (7-9, 2-6 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center || Tampa, Fla.
All-Time Series: The Spartans are on a seven-game winning streak against Saint Leo, as UT leads the series 81-16.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Saint Leo's Alani Gallagher hit a long-range jumper to begin the game, however, the Spartans went on a 12-0 scoring stretch following the opening basket. Lauren Kotey registered six points during the 12-point run, while Kotey tied her career-high with eight rebounds in the first quarter. UT's defense held Saint Leo to 15.4% shooting, going 2-for-13 from the field. Tampa owned the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds compared to Saint Leo's five, and the Spartans took a 10-point advantage into the second quarter. 

2nd Quarter | Staja Tyghter recorded seven points during the second quarter, converting three free-throws in five attempts. UT went 5-for-7 from the free-throw line, as they shot 28.6% from the field. In the first half, Tampa dominated the low-post with 16 points in the paint. The Lions shot 19.2% from the field as Olivia Lough led Saint Leo with five points. Kotey logged eight points and a career-high nine rebounds in the opening half. Entering the locker-room, Tampa led 28-13 despite shooting 38.5% from the field. 

3rd Quarter | Saint Leo went on a 13-1 run out of the locker-room, which cut the lead to 29-26. Dori Nagy netted nine points, while Tyghter secured five rebounds in the third quarter. The Lions went 6-for-12 from the field as Casey Wortley notched nine points for Saint Leo. Tampa continued to own the paint, outscoring Saint Leo 24-6 in the first three quarters. 

4th Quarter | In the fourth quarter, Tyghter tacked on six points and grabbed three rebounds. The senior posted a double-double for the fifth time this season, totaling 15 points and 11 rebounds. Nagy scored 15 points as well, recording double-digit scoring for the 10th time in 11 games. Down the stretch, UT converted on 7-of-12 free-throws as the game was out of reach. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• For the ninth time this season, Tampa limited the opponent to under 50 points. 
• Kotey recorded a career-high 10 rebounds in 22 minutes of play.
• Tyghter has registered double-figure scoring for the 15th straight game.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Julia Ingram has drained a three-pointer in 13 of 16 games this season. Ingram entered the game ranked 53rd in the NCAA, shooting 40.6% from three-point range. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa will host Lynn University on Saturday afternoon, tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Martinez Center. 

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