Spartans Fall at Home for First Time

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans suffered their first home defeat this season, falling 67-63 to visiting Lynn University Wednesday night at the Martinez Center. UT (13-5, 4-4 Sunshine State Conference) trailed by as many 14 points to the Fighting Knights (14-5, 5-3 SSC) before making a late run but ultimately falling short.

Tiara Cook's 15 first half points helped the Spartans establish a six point advantage in the opening period. Cook finished the game as UT's leading scorer with 18 points. Lynn eventually took the lead, pulling ahead by seven points at the half.

The visitors led by nine with 4:30 remaining in the game but a Gianna Messina three-pointer at the 1:19 mark pulled Tampa to within two. Messina finished the night with 14 points along with pulling down a team-high nine rebounds. Kym Taylor also chipped in 12 points to round out Tampa's double-digit scorers.

Jade Williams led the Fighting Knights with 20 points.

Tampa travels to Flagler on Saturday for the team's final non-conference game of the season. Tip is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. 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.