Spartans Fall Short Despite Comeback

LAKELAND, Fla. - The University of Tampa (6-3) women's basketball team traveled to Florida Southern College to participate in the Temple Terrace Hotel Classic. The Spartans fell 66-62 to Fayetteville State University (6-2) in game one Friday afternoon.

The Spartans opened up the contest with a layup by Illyssa Vivo at the 18 minute mark. Tampa struggled on offense early as they did not make another field goal until 12 minutes to go in the half.

Tampa converted six points off of Fayetteville State turnovers and outscored their opponents bench by four points. Ending the first period of play, Ellen Nurmi led the team with 10 points, while Juliana Cavallaro chipped in nine.

Tampa could not find an answer for Fayetteville's balanced scoring effort during the second half, and were down by 17 at one point. A 3-point basket by Nurmi with less than two minutes remaining sparked a new will to win for the Spartans, fueling a great effort by Cavallaro to the basket for a three point conversion. The Spartans were within one with 50 seconds left in regulation.

A layup by the Bronco's Deja Middleton, with 19 seconds to go, solidified Fayetteville's win over the Spartans. Tampa was led by Cavallaro with 22 points, followed by a 15 point effort by Nurmi. On the other end five players scored in double figures for the Broncos.

The Spartans will take on No. 25 Quincy University tomorrow in game two of the Temple Terrace Hotel Classic (Lakeland, Fla.). This will be the third meeting for the two teams, as they split the all-time series 1-1. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

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