Sullivan Sinks Game Winner, Sends Spartans Marching

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans women's basketball team beat the Florida Southern College Moccasins, 75-74, to punch a ticket to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament Semifinals. Junior Melijah Sullivan hit the game winner with 23 seconds left to seal the deal. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: University of Tampa Spartans 75, Florida Southern Moccasins 74

Records: Tampa (5-0), Florida Tech (5-3).

Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: Tampa trails the all-time series 39-64.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

Despite shooting 54.5% on the quarter, Tampa still found themselves down eight by quarter's end. The Spartans had an even scoring effort, with Senior Terri Battle leading the Spartans off the bench with four points and a rebound. Senior Aliyah Abney, Sophomore Mya Giusto, Junior Melijah Sullivan, and Graduate Student LaShayla Wright-Ponder each scored two points. Score: 20-12 FSC

2nd QUARTER

The Spartans again made shots at a high clip, nearly 64%, and received another all-around scoring effort. Six Spartans registered baskets on the quarter: Abney (4), Wright-Ponder (4), Senior Julia Ingram (2), Freshman Audrey Ramsey (2), and Sullivan (2). Battle led both teams in rebounding with 4 in the quarter. Tampa still trailed after two. Score: 34-28 FSC

3rd QUARTER

A high-scoring third quarter gave each team an even 23 points scored in the frame. The Spartans were chasing a lead change all quarter but could not manage in what turned into a tight-knit affair. Sullivan led all scorers with 13 points. Abney (4), Giusto (3), Wright-Ponder (3), and Battle (2) each registered baskets. Score: 57-52 FSC

4th QUARTER

The Spartans outscored the Mocs 23-14 in the final frame, led by Abney with 11 on 4-7 shooting and a perfect 3-3 from the line. Each team battled back-and-forth for much of the quarter before the Spartans embarked on a 10-3 run to close the game. Battle's layup with 1:42 to go tied the game, 71-71, and Sullivan's game winner sealed the deal for the Spartans, 75-74. Score: 75-74 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS

• Melijah Sullivan was second on team with 20 points scored on 9-15 shooting. She also had two rebounds, two assists, a block, and the game winner.
• Aliyah Abney led the squad in scoring with 21 points scored on 7-12 shooting and a perfect trip at the line: 7-7 on the game. She grabbed three boards and dished out four assists.
• LaShayla Wright-Ponder (9), Mya Giusto (7), Audrey Ramsey (4) also aided the Spartans scoring effort.

BEYOND THE BOX

• Terri Battle continued her scoring ways, punching in 10 off the bench and grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds in only 24 minutes.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will play Thursday in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament Semifinals against the Saint Leo Lions on Thursday. Tipoff is at 5:00 p.m.

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