Spartans Take Care of Business Against Fort Valley State

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: University of Tampa Spartans 71, University of West Georgia 44

Records: Tampa (3-0),  Fort Valley St (0-2)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, Fla.

All-Time Series: This game puts Tampa up  in the series. Their largest margin of victory, 21 points, came during their matchup on November 23, 2002.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

The Spartans got the tempo going  with a made shot byMelijah Sullivan for the first basket of the game. From then on, the Wildcats took the lead with six minutes remaining in the quarter (7-4). With the help of point guard Mya Giusto and Sullivan, the Spartans would go on a 13-3 run over the next three minutes, extending their lead to six (17-11). Giusto would finish the quarter with a deep three-pointer to increase the lead to nine. | Score: 25-16 (Tampa)

2nd QUARTER

The Spartans entered the quarter continuing their built momentum that made their offense flourish. The Spartans went on a 12-2 run to increase the lead to 15, with the help from Audri Leipold & Sydney Kin. In doing so, the Spartans defense intensified immensely, holding the Wildcats to only 10 points in the quarter.  | Score: 39-26 (Tampa)

3rd QUARTER

The pace of the game  began to skew more into Tampa's favor, having controlled more possessions . Head coach Tom Jessee began to run the Spartan offense more centered around Kin, allowing her to produce more baskets for the Spartans. Evidently, this method benefited the team as the Spartans tacked up a 22-point lead to end the quarter. Kin scored six points and Audrey Ramsey chimed in with five points. | Score: 55-33 (Tampa)

4th QUARTER

As the last quarter began, the margin between the Spartans and the Wildcats grew further apart. Giusto would maintain the tone with a deep three-pointer (62-37). Then, Alani Gallagher would substitute in and score a three-pointer to put the lead at 27. In the last remaining seconds, Sarah Jones would hit a three-pointer to put the lead at 30, however the Wildcats would immediately deduct that number with a retaliation three-pointer at the very end of gameplay. Score: | 71-44 (Tampa)

INSIDE THE STATS

•  Kin: 17 pts, 7 rebs, 

• Giusto: 16 pts, 5-6 from three (83%)

• Spartans shot 36% from 3pt range

BEYOND THE BOX

•  Spartans are on a three-game winning streak

• Sullivan is ranked 15 all-time for points scored in a Spartan uniform

• Spartans are the currently the #2 ranked defense in the SSC  

NEXT UP: The Spartans stay at home as they compete against Barry University on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 12 p.m.

GAMEDAY MULTIMEDIA: Fans may watch all home games and Sunshine State Conference contests on TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.