Tampa Makes History With Win Over #4 Drury
CANYON, Tex. - History was made as The University of Tampa knocked off the highest ranked opponent in women's basketball history with a 57-39 victory over fourth-ranked Drury (Mo.) University. UT improves to 5-1 as DU drops to 3-2 in the first of two Spartan games at the West Texas A&M Thanksgiving Classic.
The victory represents a new program record for head coach Tom Jessee's squad, which previously defeated seventh-ranked Rollins College in the 2006 Sunshine State Conference Tournament. Tampa also defeated 11th-ranked Valdosta State University on 2007-08.
It took just over 13 minutes for Tampa to pull away in the first half, turning a 14-13 deficit into a 29-17 halftime lead as UT outscored its opponent 16-3 over the final 7:36 of the first half. The Spartans maintained their double-digit lead for the remainder of the game, leading by as many as 18 points.
Kym Taylor led Tampa with a tam-high 18 points as Tiara Cook and Hailee Sullivan each added 10. Caitlyn Mitryk turned in another well-rounded performance, leading the Spartans with eight rebounds and six assists. She also added six points.
Tampa concludes play at the Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday versus Oklahoma Panhandle State University at 2 p.m. 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.