McDonald Drops 18, Spartans Advance To SSC Semifinals

Tampa, Fla. – The University of Tampa Women's Basketball hosted the quarterfinals of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament this evening at the Bob. The Spartans earned the two seed by going 17-3 in conference play, claiming a share of the regular season title. Tampa hosted seven seeded Lynn in an electric battle with a semifinal appearance on the line. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: #20 Tampa 77, Lynn 62

Regular Season Records: #20 Tampa 25-5 (17-3 SSC), Lynn 13-14 (7-13 SSC)

Location: Bob Martinez Center l Tampa, Fla.

All-time series: This was the 64th meeting between these two programs. With the win, Tampa leads the all-time series 52-12. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

FIRST HALF: In a win or go home contest, both teams knew whoever got the first punch was going to control the momentum. After an opening basket from the Fighting Knights, Olivia Davis knocked down a three and the Spartans were off and running. Zoe Piller picked up a steal before making her first shot of the game, Giorgia Palmieri hit a runner, and Marissa McDonald drilled a three. The Spartans had punched first and led 12-6 after the first five minutes because of it. Lynn got back on the board but McDonald came right back with another three ball. With under three minutes to go, McDonald picked off a Lynn pass leading to a Kath Van Bennekom score to push the Tampa lead out nine. The Tampa defense only allowed one made basket in the final minutes of the first quarter to take a 22-13 lead into the second quarter. After a first ten that saw Tampa dominate almost every minute, Lynn came out strong in the second quarter. They opened the quarter with a basket and turned three straight empty Spartan possessions into a quick 8-0 run. Lynn had pulled all the way back into the game before the seven minute mark as Tampa only led 22-20. Zoe Piller put an end to the scoreless streak for Tampa with her patented footwork around the rim. Lynn responded but Marissa McDonald followed up her teammate by doing the exact same thing, finishing a bucket at the rim and the Spartans led 26-22. Vivianne Jende joined the party between the blocks, turning a smooth move into points at the rim as well. Lynn was not going to back down and kept hitting shots from all over the floor. With under three minutes left in the first half, they took their first lead since the opening basket with a three from deep range. After both teams traded defensive stops, Lynn led 31-30 before Audrey Ramsey hit a jumper to retake the lead. Neither team could get anything going in the final minute of the second until Lynn hit a floater at the end of the half to take the lead. Despite being down one, the Spartans shot an outrageous  53% from the field in the first half. 

Score: #20 Tampa 32, Lynn 33

SECOND HALF: After a 10 point first half, Marrissa McDoanld stayed hot and drilled a three to open the second half. This regave Tampa the lead before Lynn came right back and tied the game up at 35. Zoe Piller broke the tie with a strong take at the rim but once again, Lynn was able to find points and tie the game. Both teams continued to trade baskets before Lynn was able to use a 6-0 run at the five minute mark to take the lead. Audrey Ramsey and Giorgia Palmieri both hit clutch shots and the Spartans came from down four to up three with under a minute to go. Lynn got a shot to go in the final seconds but Tampa led 46-45 heading into the final quarter. Giorgia Palmier continued to light it up in the second half, starting the fourth quarter off with a banger of the three. Lynn kept responding and back and forth we went once again. The shots were falling for both teams as the scoreline jumped to 53-52 Tampa with still well over seven minutes to go. Olivia Davis, Zoe Piller, and Palmeri led the charge to begin the fourth quarter but Marissa McDonald hit the biggest shot of the quarter. After some great ball movement, Davis found a wide open McDonald in the corner who splashed home the three ball to give the Spartans a 58-52 lead with five minutes to go. This fully swung the momentum back in Tampa's favor and Lynn could never recover. Zoe Piller converted a fiery three point play, Giorgia Palmieri hit another huge three, and Audrey Ramsey knocked down free throws to extend the Tampa lead out to double digits at 67-57. In what was a close game until the end, the Spartans were able to spark runs and hit huge shots when they needed. The Spartans closed this quarterfinal round out with more strong defense and multiple players knocking down free throws.  

FINAL: #20 Tampa 77, Lynn 62

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Marissa McDonald (18, 7-10) and Zoe Piller (17, 7-10) combined for 35 points on 70% from the field

• Four Spartans recorded 11+ points (Palmieri - new career high in points with 16)

• With the win tonight Audrey Ramsey is now the all time leader in games won in a Tampa uniform. 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will host No. 3 seed Nova Southeastern in the SSC Semifinals on Thursday, March 6th. This contest will tip at 7:00pm at the Bob Martinez Center in what could be the final home game of the season for Tampa. Be sure to pack the Bob as the Spartans hunt down another SSC crown. 

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