Spartans Cap Incredible Comeback With Overtime Victory

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - An 18-point second-half deficit was not enough to deter The University of Tampa women's basketball team as it completed the comeback with a 60-59 overtime victory, thanks to a dramatic game-tying 3-pointer by Gianna Messina at the end of regulation.

The victory is UT's fifth straight win and moves the Spartans to 18-5 overall and 8-4 in the Sunshine State Conference while Barry drops to 14-9 and 5-7 in league play.

The lone lead Tampa had in regulation was a 2-0 advantage before Barry grabbed control of the contest. The Buccaneers needed less than 10 minutes to build a double figure lead and went to the half with a comfortable 30-14 advantage.

With Barry holding a 34-16 lead at the 17:39 mark, Tampa cut the lead to eight points following a 14-4 run over a six minute span. Barry responded by stretching the lead to 13 before Tampa went on a 15-1 run to cut the deficit to 45-44 with 3:48 to play.

The Bucs allowed Tampa to stay within striking distance by going 4-10 from the free-throw line over the final two minutes as UT needed just five seconds on its final possession for Messina to force overtime with a clutch 3-pointer.

Messina led the Spartans in scoring with 17 as Tiara Cook added 15. Tampa also received a spark off the bench from freshman Sarah Wickham, who scored 13 points. All of Wickham's points came in the second half as she connected on 3-4 from long-range to aid the Spartan comeback.

Cook completed her second straight double-double with a team-high 11 rebounds to earn her fourth double-double of the season. She also led Tampa with a pair of steals. Messina also had two steals while carrying team honors with three assists.

Tampa returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Saint Leo for a 5:30 p.m., meeting with the Lions. 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.