UT Holds On To National Women’s Basketball Ranking
LILBURN, Ga. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team is now listed at No. 25 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) top-25 poll.
The Spartans sit at 11-3 on the season after setting a program record for consecutive wins to start a season at 10. The win was a 52-49 triumph over then-No. 23 Rollins College in its Sunshine State Conference opener.
UT achieved its first ranking of the season on Dec. 11, coming in at No. 24 after starting the year unranked. The Spartans were also ranked No. 10 on Jan. 8, setting a program-record for the highest-ever ranking. Last week UT was No. 15.
Tampa is among two Sunshine State Conference schools in the national rankings, joined by No. 20 Nova Southeastern University. Rollins and Lynn are also listed as receiving votes.
The Spartans have a quartet of players in double figures, led by Illyssa Vivo and her 12.9 points per game. Moriah Hodge (12.4), Julianna Cavallaro (10.8) and Shamika Williams (10.4) are all averaging double digits as the staple for UT has been its defense that is holding opponents to an average of 54.6 points per game.
Under UT's all-time winningest women's basketball coach, Tom Jessee, the Spartans are no stranger to the national polls as UT has been ranked in five of the past six seasons. It also marks the 26th week in the rankings for the Jessee-led Spartans.
Tampa currently ranks 11th in the nation in scoring defense. Additionally, the Spartans are 21st in win-loss percentage (84.6) and third in personal fouls per game (12.5).
UT is on the road for a pair of games this week, beginning with a contest at SSC rival Florida Southern College on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Tampa will also travel to Barry on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.com.
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