Spartans Set to Make Third Straight NCAA Appearance

CLEVELAND, Miss. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team will begin NCAA postseason play on Friday as it faces #17 Valdosta State University in the NCAA II South Regional from Walter Sillers Coliseum on the campus of Delta State University.

The second game of the day is set to tip-off at 3 p.m., CST, or 4 p.m., in Tampa. The 24-6 Spartans and the 24-5 Blazers will meet in the opening round for the second consecutive season. Though Tampa collected a 64-55 victory on November 24, Valdosta State took a 64-57 win in the 2007 South Regional in Fort Myers, Fla.

The NCAA Tournament appearance marks the sixth in Spartan history, and the fourth of the Tom Jessee era. The sixth year head coach led UT to the program's first and lone NCAA tourney win, with a 62-55 win over Florida Southern in 2003.

Ticket prices are set at $5 for students and $10 for adults for each day's action. Tickets to Monday's championship game will be $10 for students and $15 for adults. All-session passes are available for students at $15 and adults $25. Valid ID must be presented at time of purchase for student discount. Tickets may be purchased in person at Chadwick-Dickson Athletic Field House or by calling (662) 846-4300.

Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com, and the official tournament webpage.

Click here for the 2008 NCAA South Region Tournament Website

Click here for the complete 64 team NCAA II Bracket

NCAA South Region Tournament Schedule (all times central)
Friday - March 14, 2008
1:00 p.m. - (2) Arkansas Tech vs. (7) Tuskegee
3:00 p.m. - (3) Tampa vs. (6) Valdosta State
6:00 p.m. - (1) Delta State vs. (8) Kentucky State
8:00 p.m. - (4) Nova Southeastern vs. (5) West Georgia

Saturday - March 15, 2008
6:00 p.m. - Winner Game One vs. Winner Game Two
8:00 p.m. - Winner Game Three vs. Game Four

Monday - March 17. 2008
7:00 p.m. - NCAA Region Championship