Tampa Falls to Florida Tech in Sunshine State Conference Play

MELBOURNE, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team (10-3, 2-1 SSC) fell to the Florida Tech Panthers (10-4, 2-1 SSC) by a score of 51-45 despite Sheena Walton's sixth double-double of the season.

Florida Tech got out to an early lead, outscoring Tampa 19-11 in the first ten minutes of the game. The Spartans closed the gap with a 10-1 run over the next five minutes, culminating with a three-pointer by Angela Guiu to give Tampa a 21-20 lead with 6:15 remaining in the first half. The two sides traded baskets down the stretch as Florida Tech took a slim 27-26 lead into the break.

Tampa began the second half with an 11-6 run to take a 37-33 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in the game. The Panthers fought back over the next five minutes to tie the score at 40 with 7:34 to go before Kristin Heminger connected from beyond the arc to give Florida Tech the lead for good.

Walton led the Spartans in points and rebounds with 13 points, all in the first half, and 15 rebounds. Alexa Kane recorded a team-high three assists in the loss.

Tampa returns to the floor in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to take on Eckerd College in a Sunshine State Conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.