Multiple Spartans Contribute For First Win of 2025

Tampa, Fla. – The University of Tampa Women's Basketball program held their first game of 2025 at the Bob Martinez Center this afternoon. The #12 ranked Spartans played hosts to Rollins College in what was an electric Sunshine State Conference matchup. The Spartans came into this matchup riding a nine game winning streak against the Tars with a chance to extend the streak to double digits. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: #12 Tampa 58, Rollins 48

Records: #12 Tampa 12-3 (4-1 SSC), Rollins 6-6 (1-4 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Center I Tampa, Fla. 

All-time series: This was the 94th meeting all-time between these two programs. Tampa has now tied the series up at 47 wins a piece with 10th straight wins over the Tars.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: This afternoon's SSC battle between the Spartans and Tars got off to a fast start. Zoe Piller got the scoring going by sinking her first basket of the new year. Both teams would trade baskets for the first few minutes until Tampa went on their first big run of the game. With the scoreline 7-6 in favor of the Spartans, Olivia Davis hit a three and they would not look back. The Spartans would outscore the Tars 12-4 in the last half of the first quarter and take a six point lead into the second quarter. The second quarter of play was dominated by defense. Both teams forced multiple turnovers and bad shots throughout the final ten minutes of the first half. Both teams ended the quarter shooting under 30% from the field, resulting in a game low 21 point quarter. Olivia Davis and Zoe Piller combined for nine points in the second quarter to help the Spartans keep the lead and take it into the break. 

Score: #12 Tampa 30, Rollins 25

SECOND HALF: The second half picked up right where the first half left off. The Spartan defense continued to hold strong, forcing more turnovers and keeping the Rollins shooters at bay. Zoe Piller continued to dominate down low on the blocks, recording six of her fifteen total points in the third quarter. Rollins would respond with a few shots of their own but the Spartans would still lead by multiple possessions going into the final quarter of play. In the fourth quarter, Audrey Ramsey carried on with her strong play, dropping times and hitting her signature elbow jumper. At the six minute mark, Tampa would go on another run and extend the lead out to double digits. Multiple Spartans contributed down the stretch in order to close out this contest and notch their fourth win in SSC play. 

Final: #12 Tampa 58, Rollins 48

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Three Spartans record 10+ points and 6+ rebounds (Piller, Davis, Ramsey)

• Spartans shot 38% from beyond the arc

• Tampa's nationally ranked defense has now held five opponents to under 50 total points 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel across the bay to St. Pete for a battle with SSC foe Eckerd College. The first rematch of last year's Sunshine State Conference Tournament final will take place this Wednesday, Jan 8th at 5:30pm. This game will be held at St. Petersburg College, Gibbs Campus due to ongoing hurricane relief efforts on Eckerd's campus. 

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