December 7, 2011

Spartans Defeat the Gyrenes In Close Contest

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - After battling between lead changes with Ave Maria University (9-3), the University of Tampa (4-5) women's basketball team beat the Gyrenes 68-66 on Wednesday night at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

Despite shooting five percent better than Ave Maria, Tampa still trailed in the first half by six points. The lead changed five times as the Spartans fought to stay in the game. The Spartans attacked the paint and took advantage of second chance points with nine.

Senior Jaleesa Harmon and sophomore Illyssa Vivo led their squad at the half with eight points apiece. Greta Bartkute and Vivo both led the Spartans with five rebounds.

The Gyrenes capitalized off Spartan turnovers and attacked the boards to get to the free-throw line. The Gyrenes scored 25 percent more at the free-throw line to keep the lead.

Senior Erika Derks led all scores at the half with 10 points shooting 50 percent from the field. Junior Amy Myler battled the boards for eight rebounds to close the half.

The Spartans held the Gyrenes to 35 percent from the field as they led for the majority of the half. The Gyrenes did not have answer for the Spartans bench who scored 18 points.

Three Spartans scored in double figures. Sophomore Vivo led with 23 points, Harmon with 18 and Barkute with 13.

Despite shooting 66 percent from 3-point range, the Gyrenes could not put the Spartans away. The Gyrenes were able to get 16 points off second chance shots and out rebound the Spartans by a 38-33 margin.

Ave Maria was led by Emily Huber who scored 21 points followed by Derks with 15 points.

The Spartans will play Southeastern at home on Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m.

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