Spartans Hand No. 25 Quincy First Loss

LAKELAND, Fla. - The University of Tampa (7-3) women's basketball team concluded its participation in the Temple Terrace Hotel Classic hosted by Florida Southern College. The Spartans defeated No. 25 Quincy University 70-65 (7-1) Saturday afternoon.

The Spartans came out with the task of putting an end to the Hawks undefeated record. Tampa managed to set the tone early on to ensure the game flowed at their desired pace. UT led by as many as eight points after forcing 11 Hawk turnovers, and taking advantage of second chance points.

Taylor McVey led her team with seven points to end the first half, as Spartans entered the locker room up by one.

Tampa was met by a relentless Hawk squad during the second half. The two teams traded baskets at the beginning of the period, until Tampa extended its lead to 12 points. Spartans faced a close call as the Hawk's center Hannah Weedman caught fire from three-point range; Weedman was 4-5 from three for the game.

Despite the Hawks getting within four points of the Spartan lead with 50 seconds to go, Tampa hustled for loose balls, and attacked the boards both offensively and defensively to secure the win.

UT shot 47 points in the second half alone on 43 percent shooting from the field and 64 percent shooting from three-point range. Taylor McVey led the squad with her fourth double-double on the season (19 points, 10 rebounds), while Ellen Nurmi and Shamika Williams chipped in 15 and 13 points respectively.

The Spartans will break until the first week of January, in which Sunshine State Conference games are set to begin. They will meet Rollins on Jan. 4th at home.

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