Spartans Drop Road Contest to Knights

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team wrapped up the Bellarmine Thanksgiving Classic as they faced the host Bellarmine University Knights. The Knights used a strong shooting performance as they were able to claim the 76-63 victory.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Bellarmine 76, Tampa 63
Records: University of Tampa Spartans (2-3), Bellarmine University Knights (3-2)
Location: Knights Hall || Louisville, Ky.
All-Time Series: This was the third time these two teams have faced each other. With the victory, Bellarmine now leads 2-1 in the series history.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Bellarmine would be first on the board as they made a layup following a forced turnover. The two teams would trade baskets throughout the early part of the quarter as the score was 10-9 in favor of the Spartans at the media time out. Following the media time out, the Knights went on an 8-0 run to go up 17-10. The two teams would trade baskets down the stretch, as they each scored five points the remainder of the quarter.  || Bellarmine 22, Tampa 15

2nd Quarter | The Knights were able to build the lead to as many as 15 points as they went ahead 35-20 on the Spartans. UT responded with a 5-0 run to pull within 10 points of BU. Bellarmine would respond scoring the next five points pushing the lead back to 15.  || Bellarmine 40, Tampa 27

 3rd Quarter | The Spartans would be the first team on the board in the second half as LaShayla Wright-Ponder knocked down a pair of free-throws. UT was able to get the game to single digits after Julia Ingram knocked down a three-pointer with 6:11 left in the quarter.  The Knights would outscore the Spartans 15-6 for the remainder of the quarter as they entered the fourth quarter down 17. || Bellarmine 57, Tampa 40

4th Quarter | The Spartans were able to outscore the Knights in the fourth quarter but were unable to erase the deficit. As a team, the Spartans would shoot 62% from the field in the quarter.  || Bellarmine 76 Tampa 63

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Melijah Sullivan led the way for Tampa with 16 points. She also led the way with three assists.
• Aliyah Abney scored a season-high 11 points.
• LaShayla Wright-Ponder added 11 points and led the Spartans with seven rebounds.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Tampa falls to 2-4 on the season.
• Seven different Spartans scored in the game.

UP NEXT: UT will be back in action on Wednesday, December 4^th as they return to Sunshine State Conference play. Tampa will be on the road as they will face off against Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.

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