Saint Leo Hands Tampa Overtime Loss
SAINT LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team dropped its first overtime game of the season, losing 75-73 at the hands of host Saint Leo University. The Spartans fall to 17-5 on the year and 9-3 in Sunshine State Conference play while the Lions move to 11-11 and 4-7 in SSC action.
After taking a commanding 38-26 lead to the half, Tampa maintained its advantage throughout the majority of the second half as it led by as many as 17 points in the second. With a 50-33 lead with 13:11 remaining, the Spartans allowed the Lions to go on a 25-5 run over the next nine minutes to take a three point lead.
Tampa managed to regain its momentum inside a minute with Angela Guiu and Sheena Walton each connecting on one of two free throws to give the Spartans a 64-62 lead with 16 second remaining in regulation. With five seconds remaining, Saint Leo's Nichole Tyler was fouled on a three pointer and connected on two of three to send the game to an extra period.
In overtime, the teams traded baskets until the Lions built a 73-68 lead with 40 seconds on the clock. UT then evened it up following an Erica Woodard basket and a three pointer by Hailee Sullivan with 23 seconds remaining.
With the ball and 22 seconds remaining, Saint Leo came out of a timeout and gave the ball to Melissa Guerrero, who broke the tie to give the Lions a 75-73 advantage with just four seconds on the clock. Following a Saint Leo timeout, Tampa was then unable to get off a shot as the time expired.
Sheena Walton led the Spartans with a team high 22 points and 13 rebounds while blocking four shots. Angela Guiu added 18 points on four three pointers while Erica Woodard had 16. DeShaydia Mackey also chipped in 11 for the Spartans.
Hailee Sullivan led UT with four assists while four different Spartans had a steal. UT played without Alexa Kane, their leader in assists and steals as she sat out due to an injury.
The Spartans now head to Miami Shores for a Saturday meeting with Barry. Game time is 2 p.m.