No. 11 Spartans Cruise to Season-Opener Win
BILLINGS, Mont. – The No. 11 University of Tampa women's basketball team opened its 2021-22 season with a convincing win against Seton Hill University at the DII Tipoff Classic.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 75, Seton Hill University Griffins 48
Records: Tampa (1-0), Seton Hill (0-1)
Location: Alterowitz Gym | Billings, Mont.
All-Time Series: This would mark the first time these two teams have faced off, as Tampa would take the series lead 1-0
HOW IT HAPPENED
1st QUARTER
The Spartans owned up to their ranking well from the start. Aliyah Abney and Danielle Delano both led Tampa in scoring with six apiece. Tampa defensively outrebounded the Griffins 8-6 with both teams grabbing nine total rebounds. The Spartans were efficient from the field throughout the quarter while shooting 53.3 percent from the field. Score: 20-10 Tampa
2nd QUARTER
The second quarter again belonged to Tampa, Melijah Sullivan leading the scoring with 8 points for the Spartans. Tampa so far are having a good night shooting the ball, Kayla Bonilla, Dori Nagy, Sullivan, Abney and Delano all shooting above 50 percent. The Spartans were able to outrebound the Griffins 20-15 with Tampa's largest lead before half was 18 before the Griffins went on a 7-0 run. Score: 35-23 Tampa
3rd QUARTER
The Spartans were in cruise control throughout the quarter, with Sullivan continuing her great shooting night, leading the team with 14 points consisting of a 58.3 shooting percentage. Seton Hill have yet to figure out an answer for Tampa's bench, with the Spartans bench outsourcing the Griffins 22-7 thus far throughout the contest. Score: 53-40 Tampa
4th QUARTER
Tampa maintained their double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and would undeniably run away with it. Sullivan (18) and Abney (12) would be the only Spartans to hit double-digit scoring, Nagy would be one shot shy of a double double as she would score 8 points with 10 rebounds for a near double-double. Score: 75-48 Tampa
INSIDE THE STATS
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Nagy was 2 points and 4 assists away from a triple-double her statline included, 8 points and 6 assists.
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Sullivan would lead the team in scoring with 18.
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UT outscored Seton Hill 38-30 in the paint.
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UT would score 18 points off turnovers to SHU's 11.
BEYOND THE BOX
This is the seventh straight season-opening win for the Spartans
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