No.3 Spartans Dominate Sharks at Home

TAMPA, FL – The No.3 University of Tampa women's basketball team defeats conference opponent at home in dominant fashion.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: No. 3 University of Tampa Spartans 80, Nova Southeastern University Sharks 53

Records: Tampa (25-1,17-1 SSC), Nova Southeastern (21-5 13-5 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Athletic Center | Tampa, FL

All-Time Series: The Spartans hold a sizeable 32-17 series lead over the Sharks, after winning their last matchup earlier this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st QUARTER

The conference matchup would begin with the Sharks netting an early three point shot. The matchup would then go scoreless for around two minutes due to great defensive play before the Sharks built their lead to five. Melijah Sullivan would open the scoring for Tampa, cutting the Nova Southeastern lead to three points. Sullivan then scored off her own rebound to get the Sharks' lead down to one with just over five minutes left to play in the quarter. Sarah Jones netted a basket to put the Spartans in the lead for the first time in the matchup. After an explosion on offense, the Spartans built a 10 point lead and caused the Shark to call a timeout. The late scoring run put the Spartans in the lead headed into the second. Score: 23-10 (Tampa)

2nd QUARTER

The second quarter began with the Spartans carrying the momentum over from the first. Just two minutes into the quarter, Nova Southeastern called a timeout after finding themselves in a 14 point deficit. Halfway into the quarter, the Spartans defense was playing in shut-down mode, allowing the Sharks only one point so far. The Sharks began to score with just over two minutes left to play, cutting the Spartan lead down to 11. Tampa's early offensive push and great defensive play would keep them in the lead headed in halftime. Score: 35-20 (Tampa)

3rd QUARTER

The second half of this matchup began with Tampa continuing to find the net, building their lead to 15 points early. The Sharks began their comeback efforts and cut the Tampa lead to nine points, causing the Spartans to call a timeout. The Spartan defense snuffed the Nova Southeastern comeback, going on a 12-0 run to end the quarter. Score: 55-30 (Tampa)

4th QUARTER

The final 10 minutes began similarly to the previous three quarters, with the Spartans continuing to find ways to score. The Spartans went on a late 8-0 run in the final minute of the game to put away the win against the Sharks. Score: 80-53 (Tampa)

INSIDE THE STATS

• Three Spartans finished in double-digits: Sydney Kin (29), Melijah Sullivan (16), and Sarah Jones (10).
• Sullivan finished with 12 rebounds
• Mya Giusto led the team with 6 assists

BEYOND THE BOX

• Sullivan recorded a double-double in the matchup
• Tampa scored 52 points in the paint
• Tampa outrebounded Nova Southeastern 38-31

NEXT UP: The Spartans head to across the state to Miami Shores to take on Barry on Wednesday at 5:30p.m.