Box Score TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa has been one of the hottest women's basketball teams in the Sunshine State Conference, and that trend continued on Saturday as the Spartans held off Eckerd pulling away late for a 77-63 win.
The Spartans used a 9-2 run early in the fourth quarter to turn a five-point lead into a 63-51 advantage with 5:35 left. Eckerd was able to get back within eight points on one occasion but could get no closer as UT made two 3-pointers and went 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the final 4:30 of the game.
The second meeting between the two teams this season was quite different than the first, when Eckerd help Tampa to 27.8 percent shooting in a 66-38 win. Today, the Spartans (13-9, 6-5 SSC) were on fire shooting 60.0 percent from the floor and made 10-of-19 from 3-point range.
Conversely, the Tritons had some struggles shooting the ball making only 38.6 percent from the field. They were, however, able to give themselves a chance by forcing 17 turnovers and grabbing nine offensive rebounds to extend possessions.
Despite the cold shooting, Eckerd was within striking distance after three quarters trailing by five and still trailed by five with 8:32 to play after a pair of
Victoria Vine free throws. But UT followed with the quick burst that extended the lead to 12 and Eckerd never truly recovered.
The loss keeps Eckerd (11-9, 6-6 SSC) in fifth place in the conference standings, now just a half-game ahead of Tampa. The Tritons trail Barry by 1.5 games in the fight for the fourth-place spot.
Ashley Folsom had a big game for Eckerd with 24 points on 11-of-18 shooting. Vine added 13 behind a perfect 8-of-8 performance from the free throw line.
The Tritons return to action on Wednesday, February 10, hosting Embry-Riddle at 5:30 PM in the team's annual "Play 4 Kay" game.
