Strong Second Half Pushes UT Past Sailfish

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans overcame a 10-point halftime deficit Wednesday night en route to their third consecutive victory. With the 59-52 triumph over visiting Palm Beach Atlantic, UT improved to 4-1 on the season while the Sailfish fell to 1-5.

Tampa trailed by as much as 12 early in the second half but battled back to take the lead when Hailee Sullivan hit a lay-up with 9:16 remaining. The senior guard led all scorers in the game with 17 points, 15 of which came from three-point shots.

Following a pair of lead changes and a Kristine Webb lay-up to tie the game at 45, Caitlyn Mitryk nailed a three-pointer with 6:58 remaining to give the Spartans a lead that would not be relinquished.

The Sailfish pulled within three with just under two minutes left in the game, but Gianna Messina was perfect from the charity stripe down the stretch, making four free-throws in the final minutes to preserve the UT lead.

Tampa will take the holiday off before traveling to Canyon, Tex. for the West Texas A&M Thanksgiving Classic. Fans may sign up for eScores, a free service that sends text message alerts at the conclusion of Spartan games. Please visit www.tampaspartans.com to sign up.