No. 17 Spartans Dominate in Season-Opener Win
TAMPA, Fla. – The No.17 University of Tampa women's basketball team opened its 2022-23 season with a strong win against Spring Hill College at the South Region Crossover.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 77, Spring Hill College 47
Records: Tampa (1-0), Spring Hill (0-1)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
All-Time Series: This game marks the fourth matchup against Spring Hill where Tampa leads the series 4-0. Their largest margin of victory came during their last matchup in 2019 with a final score of 78-46, defeating Spring Hill by 32 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
1st QUARTER
The game started with Spring Hill opening the scoring with a three. Tampa wasn't far behind scoring a three of their own. The score was close during the first few points before Tampa started to slowly pull away. Their defense showed determination holding Spring Hill to no points just over three minutes and going on 7-0 run. In the last minutes of the quarter, Tampa seemed to struggle scoring but a go ahead layup from Melijah Sullivan closed out the quarter keeping Tampa in front. Score: 18-14 (Tampa)
2nd QUARTER
The second quarter opened with a defensive stop from Tampa transitioning into an easy paint layup from Sydney Kin. A fast break point from Eleanore Marciszewski added to the 11 fast break points Tampa had in the first half. Spring Hill appeared to get their momentum back for a little capitalizing off of miscalculated shots from Tampa. A three from Sarah Jones and another fast break layup from Mya Giusto stopped Spring Hills momentum and pumped some energy into Tampa's bench and the crowd. Giusto and Kin's connection was apparent during this quarter with Giusto dumping the ball off to Kin anytime she could helping the team go on an 11-0 run to close out the second quarter. Score: 38-22 (Tampa)
3rd QUARTER
Kin began the scoring for Tampa in the third quarter. A defensive steal which turned into a fast break layup for Audrey Ramsey increased Tampa's lead putting them on another 7-0 run. Ramsey then showed her range shooting her second three of the afternoon. An aerobatic layup from Giusto sparked enthusiasm from the crowd and assisted the team in finishing out the quarter. The pace of the game then slowed down resulting in Tampa experiencing their first scoring drought of the game. It was soon picked from Alani Gallagher going 1-2 from the free throw line. A layup from Sullivan closed the quarter as Tampa headed into the fourth quarter looking to secure the win. Score: 57-34 (Tampa)
4th QUARTER
A speedy layup from Jones opened the fourth quarter for Tampa followed by a transition bucket from Ramsey. Despite this, Tampa committed four turnovers in the last three minutes of the game, but was able to hold onto their lead securing their first win of the season. Score: 77-47 (Tampa)
INSIDE THE STATS
- Five Spartans finished with 11 or more points: Mya Giusto (11), Sarah Jones (11) Melijah Sullivan (13) Sydney Kin (14), Audrey Ramsey (14)
- Erin Antosh led the team with 8 rebounds, Sydney Kin right behind with 6
- The Spartans finished with 36 fast break points
BEYOND THE BOX
- This is the eighth straight season-opening win for the Spartans
- This game solidifies the Spartans fourth straight win against Spring Hill College and the second largest margin of victory, 30 points.