Spartans Hang On to Defeat Flagler

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans slipped by Flagler College on Saturday night, improving to 14-5 for the season with the 58-56 victory. The Saints fell to 2-19 on the year.

The game appeared headed towards a possible overtime period until Gianna Messina sank a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining in the game to give Tampa the victory.

The Spartans trailed by four at the half despite limiting the hosts to just 33.3 percent from the field.

Hailee Sullivan was good for four three-point baskets in the second half, allowing the Spartans to hang close throughout the stanza. The senior led the Spartans in scoring with 15 points having picked up a trey in the first stanza as well.

Messina had several key baskets of her own before her game-sealing shots from the charity stripe. The lead changed hands eight times in the game, including twice off of field goals from the Tampa native. She finished the game with 14 points along with a team-high five assists.

Angela Guiu and Caitlyn Mitryk added 10 points each to round out Tampa's double-figure scorers.

The Spartans continue conference play on Wednesday when they travel to Fort Lauderdale to battle Nova Southeastern with tip scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tampa won the earlier meeting between the two teams 62-41. 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.