Spartans Fall to Eckerd to Snap Streak

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Despite a furious comeback effort, the University of Tampa suffered its first defeat in nearly two months Wednesday night at Eckerd. The 73-67 loss to the Tritons (7-5, 2-1 SSC) snapped a nine-game win streak for No. 19 UT (10-2, 1-1).

The lead exchanged hands several times in the first half with the Spartans holding a three-point advantage midway through the period. With the game tied at the 10:28 mark, Eckerd went on an 11-0 run to gain a 27-16 lead. The Spartans would eventually cut their deficit to five with the score 35-30 at the half.

Tiara Cook scored the first basket of the second half to pull Tampa within three, but the Spartans wouldn't score again for nearly four minutes as the Tritons pulled out to a 14-point advantage. Cook scored 18 of her team-leading 22 points in the second half as the Spartans gradually started to chip away at the Eckerd lead.

The Tritons led by nine with 1:21 remaining in the game before Gianna Messina hit two free throws to cut the Eckerd advantage to seven. Following a Triton turnover, Caitlyn Mitryk nailed a shot from long range for three of her 12 points, pulling Tampa within four.

The Spartans fouled on the ensuing Eckerd possession, but Javiera Novion missed both free throws to keep UT's hopes alive. Messina pulled down one of her nine rebounds before hitting a lay-up with 30 seconds left in the game. The sophomore guard was fouled on the play and converted the free throw to cut the lead to just one. Messina finished the night with 19 points along with a team-high eight assists.

Eckerd proceeded to knock down five of six free throws in the remaining seconds while preventing the Spartans from scoring to produce the 73-67 final.

The Tritons shot 46.2 percent from the field - the first team to shoot above 40 percent against UT all season - while Tampa came in at 48 percent.

The Spartans travel to Winter Park on Saturday for a showdown with No. 12 Rollins. Fans may sign up for eScores, a free service that sends text message alerts to fans at the conclusion of Spartan athletic events. Please visit the official athletics website to sign up.