Spartans Move to 19th in Newest Poll

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans solidified their place in the national top 25 rankings, moving up to 19th in the latest USA TODAY ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll. UT was previously ranked 24th.

Behind one of the nation's top defenses, the Spartans are ranked in consecutive polls for the first time in program history. The ranking is also the highest ever achieved by a Spartan squad. Tampa currently has the best scoring defense in Division II and also ranks second in field goal percentage defense, limiting the opposition to just 28.4 percent from the field.

Tampa opened Sunshine State Conference play with a 62-41 victory over Nova Southeastern on Saturday to extend its current winning streak to nine games. Only three other times has a UT team won nine or more games consecutively.

Two other SSC teams are ranked including No. 12 Rollins and No. 15 Barry.

The USA TODAY ESPN Board of Coaches is made up of 29 head coaches at Division II institutions. All are members of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.