Walton’s Fourth Consecutive Double-Double Fuels Win Over Nova

TAMPA, Fla. - Sheena Walton turned in her fourth double-double as the Spartans defeated Nova Southeastern 63-52 in a Sunshine State Conference matchup. The Spartans improve to 9-2 and 2-0 in the conference to open 2008 as the Sharks fall to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in the conference.

The Spartans opened the game strong with a 9-0 run in the first four and a half minutes of the game, holding Nova scoreless until Ashley Wilson hit a jumper with 15:20 remaining in the first half. Tampa got out to a double-digit lead after DeShaydia Mackey hit a three-pointer with 6:46 to go in the half to put the Spartans up 22-10. Nova closed out the half with an 8-4 run to head into the break trailing 26-18.

The Sharks opened the second half with an 8-2 run to cut the Spartan lead to 28-26 with 16:28 remaining in the game. Nova stayed within four points of Tampa until Eliza Allen hit a three-pointer with 13:07 left in the game to even the score at 34. The Spartans reclaimed the lead on an Alexa Kane layup, before relinquishing the advantage on a layup by Abbie Tepe that gave the Sharks their first lead of the game at 38-37 with 10:04 remaining.

Tampa took the lead again on a three-pointer by Mackey with 9:09 left in the game, a lead it held the rest of the game. The Spartans closed out the game with a 20-14 run in the last nine minutes to put the Sharks away for their ninth win of the season.

Kane led the way for Tampa with 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 6-13 shooting. Walton and Mackey each scored 14 points as Walton recorded her fifth double-double of the season and finished tied with Mackey for the team-lead with 11 rebounds. Mackey led the team with five assists.

The Spartans return to the court at home against Saint Leo on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm as the first game of a men's and women's doubleheader, both against Saint Leo.