Halftime Deficit No Problem for Tampa Women

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team moved into a first place tie atop the Sunshine State Conference standings with a 61-58 victory over Nova Southeastern University. The Spartans are now 16-4 and 8-2 in the SS C while the Sharks fall to 15-7 and 8-2 in league action.

A quick start for the Sharks put UT in an early hole as Nova Southeastern scored the first 11 points of the game. After the teams traded off baskets, Nova stretched the lead to 14 on an Elisa Allen three-pointer at 12:42. The closest Tampa managed to come in the first half was eight points before Allen hot a three-pointer for Nova to send the game to halftime with a 35-24 NSU lead.

The second half proved to be a reversal of the first as Tampa seized control from the beginning. The Spartans began the half on a 14-2 run in less than seven minutes to take a 38-37 lead.

With Nova Southeastern leading 56-54 with 3:09 to play, Alexa Kane gave UT the lead for good on a three pointer with 2:50 on the clock. A pair of free throws by DeShaydia Mackey was all the scoring the Spartans needed to hold on for the victory.

The Tampa defense then came through on the final Nova possession as Mackey and Sheena Walton each blocked a game-tying three point attempt.

Mackey led UT with a team high 15 points as she also held team honors with four steals. Walton also registered double figures with 12 points to go with a team high six blocked shots.

Erica Woodard led Tampa with eight rebounds while Walton grabbed four of her six rebounds on the offensive end. Kane was the team leader with three assists.

UT returns home where it seeks to avenge an early season loss to Florida Tech. The matchup is scheduled for 2 p.m., at the Martinez Center.