Tampa Survives Overtime Scare to Remain Undefeated

ST. LEO, Fla. - The University of Tampa (4-0) women's basketball team was tested, but came away with a 54-48 overtime victory against the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamon (0-2) at the Saint Leo Invitational.

The Spartans appeared to be no match for its opponent, leading by as many as 17 points in the first half before taking a 32-22 lead to the break.

UPR chipped away at the Spartan lead, taking its first lead at 46-45 with 5:24 to play. Trailing 48-45, Illyssa Vivo came through with a clutch 3-pointer with 23-seconds to play, forcing an extra five-minute period.

In overtime, Tampa held UPR scoreless as Vivo sealed the Spartan victory with another 3-pointer, coming with 57-seconds on the clock.

Vivo led all scorers as the junior registered 19 points on four-3-pointers as the lone Spartan in double figures. Moriah Hodge added 11 rebounds as Shamika Williams paced UT with four assists. Vivo also added three steals for Tampa.

Tampa will return to action in San Diego, Calif., for a pair of games, beginning on Friday versus Cal State-San Bernardino. UT will conclude the trip on Saturday against host UC-San Diego. Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.com.

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