Spartans Fall to No. 18 Rollins in Conference Match-Up

TAMPA, Fla. - After hanging strong with No. 18 Rollins College (6-1, 1-0 SSC), the University of Tampa (3-4, 0-1 SSC) women's basketball team fell to the Tars 58-56 on Wednesday night at the Bob Martinez Sports Center. The game marked the Sunshine State Conference opener for both teams.

The Spartans and Tars stayed close in the first half trading off leads by one to two points. The Spartans dominated in points in the paint and steals; however, it wasn't enough as the Tars pulled away with a five point lead to end the half.

Sophomores Illyssa Vivo and Greta Barkute ended the half leading their squad with six points apiece. Vivo also had five rebounds to lead all participants.

The Tars out rebounded the Spartans in the first seven minutes of play which led to seven second-chance points. Rollins bench was crucial shooting 17 points to help the Tars pull away to end the half.

Kristina Mingos led her squad with five points and three rebounds to end the half.

The Spartans trailed for most of the second half and narrowed the deficit to a point with five minutes to go. The Spartans did not have an answer for Rollins' bench who contributed 14 points.

Three Spartans finished with double digit scoring, reigning SSC Conference Player of the Week Moriah Hodge with 10 points, while Vivo and Sarah Wickham both had 12 points. Vivo also had the only double-double of the game with a season-high 14 rebounds.

Despite shooting 55 percent from the free throw line, the Tars edged the Spartans in points off of turnovers. Ashley Jones and Kourtnie Berry finished the game with 10 and 13 points respectively.

The Spartans will play another conference match-up at Lynn University (2-2) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Spartans lead the all-time series 29-7.

Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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