Spartans Bounce Back in Dominate Fashion

Tampa, Fla – The University of Tampa Women's Basketball team faced off against Southeastern Oklahoma State University this afternoon. In what can only be described as a defensive masterpiece, the Spartans were able to bounce back from last week's loss and get back on track. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: #4 Tampa 84, Southeastern Oklahoma 52

Records: #4 Tampa 4-1, Southeastern Oklahoma 2-2

Location: Bob Martinez Center l Tampa, Fla

All-time series: This was the first ever meeting all-time between these programs, Tampa now leads the series 1-0. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: This afternoon's matchup started out fast with both teams being hot from the opening tip. To open the scoring the Storm of Southeastern Oklahoma hit their first shot of the game from the elbow and Zoe Piller followed that up with a basket off her own. The team would continue to trade baskets for most of the first quarter until Sariana Rodriguez hit a tough lay through contact to give Tampa the first multi-possession lead of the game at 14-10. With two minutes left in the first quarter, Olivia Davis would hit a big three to push the lead to 20-13 and Tampa would be in full control. The Spartans would take a 21-13 lead into the second quarter, looking to continue the offensive explosion to open the game. Audrey Ramsey would take over the opening minutes of the second and help the Spartans do just that. Ramsey would hit a long three point jumper with just over five minutes to push the lead to double digits with over five minutes left to play in the first half. The Storm would hit some shots as the second quarter winded down but after a Sariana Rodriguez three the Spartans would go into halftime up 8. 

Score: #4 Tampa 41, Southeastern Oklahoma 33

SECOND HALF: Coming into the second half, the Spartans were looking to expand their lead and put this game away early. They would do this not just staying efficient on offense but by also upping the defensive pressure. In the third quarter the Spartans were able to get into the passing lanes and force the Storm to shoot deep into the shot clock. This helped Tampa expand the lead to double digits and after another Olivia Davis three, the Spartans led by 15 going into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter was nothing short of domination for the Spartans. In the final 10 minutes of play, Tampa kept the Storm to just 2 points and did not commit a defensive foul. Offensively, Tampa continued to run their offense and hit shots to put up 19 points in the close out quarter. The game ended on a 8-0 Tampa run culminating in a 32 point win for the Spartans. After coming up short last week, this win was just what the team needed to get back on track.  

Final: #4 Tampa 84, Southeastern Oklahoma 52

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa combines for 14 made 3 point shots 

• Four different Spartants recorded 10+ points 

• Sariana Rodriguez and Olivia Davis both drop 15+ on over 55% efficiency 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will face Georgian Court on Tuesday, November 26th at 5:00pm. This game will mark the halfway point of the team 6 game homestand that spans the month of November. 

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