Tampa Prevails in OT

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Hailee Sullivan and Tiara Cook helped The University of Tampa Spartans capture their first overtime victory of the season, defeating Nova Southeastern University 63-59 Wednesday night in a key conference contest.

For the second consecutive game, Sullivan had a stellar night from beyond the arc. Her four treys in the first half helped UT (15-5, 5-4 SSC) take a 29-27 lead into the break.

The Spartans continued to enjoy a lead for nearly all of the first 14 minutes of the second stanza before the Sharks (8-12, 4-6 SSC) began to quickly chip away.

Sullivan's sixth three-pointer - a career high for three-point field goals - put the Spartans up 52-41 score with 5:42 remaining in the game, but Nova Southeastern's talented Stephanie Sarosi scored nine points in the closing minutes of regulation time to help the Sharks pull close. Abbie Tepe hit a pair of free throws with 1:17 left to knot the score at 54 and forcing overtime.

Tepe put the Sharks ahead with a layup just 12 seconds into the extra period, but Gianna Messina scored two minutes later to tie the game again, and Nova would never regain a lead. Tiara Cook was particularly impressive in overtime, scoring four points and pulling down three of her team-best nine rebounds. The junior also blocked a shot.

Sullivan led the Spartans with 18 points, also a career best for the senior. Cook finished the day with 12 while Kym Taylor also chipped in 10 for the Spartans. Sarosi led all scorers with 24.

Tampa heads back to the Martinez Center on Saturday for a 2:00 pm meeting with SSC-leading Rollins. UT lost by a 61-48 score in the earlier contest between the two teams.

A live webcast and live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com. Fans may also 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.