Spartans Defense Dominates in Holiday Classic Game 1 Win

Melbourne, Fla. – The University of Tampa Women's basketball team traveled to Melbourne, Florida to take part in the FIT Holiday Classic. The Spartans will compete in two games on the campus of Florida Tech for the FIT Holiday Classic, the first coming today against the Clayton State Lakers. Looking for win number 10 on the year, the Spartans came out playing aggressive and controlled the bulk of the game. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: #15 Tampa 53,  Clayton State 43

Records: #15 Tampa 10-2, Clayton State 2-8

Location: Charles and Ruth Clemente Center l Melbourne, Fla

All-time series: This was the fourth meeting all-time between these two programs. After today's win, the Spartans have tied the series up at 2-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: This afternoon's contest started slower than normal for the Spartans as Clayton State was in a full court press from the opening tip. Sariana Rodriguez and Zoe Piller got to work early on the defensive end and as a whole, held Clayton State to just 4 points through the first six minutes. Both Audrey Ramsey and Marrissa Mcdonald hit elbow jumpers to give the Spartans a 7-6 lead by the three minute mark. This is important to note because after this one point lead, Tampa would not fall behind for the rest of the game. They would close out the first quarter with more strong defense forcing a total of 7 turnovers in the first ten minutes. Marrissa McDonald would drain a three to open the second quarter of the play, extending the Tampa lead to 15-10. Despite Tampa shooting under 30% from the floor, their defensive excellence and perfect free throw shooting helped them slowly start to control the contest. On the brink of a double-digit deficit, the Lakers were able to hit a few shots and pull the game back into a one possession game. However in the final minute of the game, Olivia Davis drilled a three ball to re-extend the lead and the Spartans went into the break up 26-22. 

Score: #15 Tampa 26, Clayton State 22

SECOND HALF: While the defense was steller in the first half from the Spartans, they knew they needed to make shots in order to stave off a comeback effort from the Lakers. The second half started out with the same flow and pace as the first half did, both teams traded shots but also went on defensive runs not allowing baskets. By the 4 minute mark of the third quarter, the Spartans had built a 35-27 lead before the Lakers started to storm back. They would outscore the Spartans in the final minutes to pull back within four by the end of the third quarter. To start the fourth quarter, Marissa McDonald continued her great offensive day by hitting two threes early. This, compiled with the down low presence of Zoe Piller, was too much for the Lakers in the end. The Spartans held Clayton State to just single digits (8) in the final period of play to close out their first game in the FIT Holiday Classic. The Spartans re-extended the lead all the way back out to double digits in the final minutes to win 53-43. 

Final: #15 Tampa 53, Clayton State 43

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Marissa McDonald dropped 20 points (Career High)

• Tampa forced 16 Laker turnovers 

• Week 1 SSC Defensive POTW Sariana Rodriguez recorded 3 steals 

UP NEXT: The #15 ranked Spartans will stay in Melbourne for one final game in the FIT Holiday Classic. They will take on Flagler at 2:00pm on Saturday in what will be the final game of 2024 for the Spartans. 

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