Tampa Tops Embry-Riddle To Remain Perfect In Conference Play

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Women's Basketball team cruised past SSC opponent Embry-Riddle to maintain their undefeated Sunshine State Conference record this year.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: Tampa 65, Embry-Riddle 40 

Records: Tampa Spartans (9-3, 6-0 SSC), Embry-Riddle Eagles (5-8, 3-4 SSC)

Location: Tampa, Fla || Martinez Athletic Center

All-Time Series: Tampa, having now won their second consecutive game against the Eagles, pushes the all-time series record to 5-4. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Quarter || The Tampa offense got out to an early lead as they went on a quick 12-2 run which was fueled by the offensive efforts of LaShayla Wright-Ponder, who made all four of Tampa's field goals during the scoring streak. Guard Julia Ingram also contributed to the Spartans early offensive attack as she made all three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt, pushing the lead to double figures early on. Right before the two-minute mark, Melijah Sullivan knocked down a pullup mid-range to keep the Spartans lead at 9, which they took into the second quarter. || 14-5 Tampa 

2nd Quarter || Both teams continued to battle as Tampa looked to increase their commanding lead. Ingram was able to knock down her 22^nd three-pointer of the year, giving the Spartans a 22-point advantage over the Eagles of Embry-Riddle. However, as the quarter progressed, the Spartans offense cooled off and the Eagles were able to narrow the lead down to only 18. During the Tampa scoring drought, which lasted over three minutes, the Spartans continued to crash the glass as they grabbed a team total 31 rebounds throughout the first two quarters of play. Team rebounding leader, Dori Nagy had eight rebounds and Wright-Ponder grabbed nine. Kris Nelson also continued to dish the rock in the first half as she finished the half with six assists. || 30-12 Tampa

3rd Quarter || The play of forwards Sullivan and Wright-Ponder helped the Spartans maintain their lead as the two traded baskets to begin the second half of play. Wright-Ponder opened up the half by finishing a layup at the rim. Sullivan followed by also finishing a layup and hitting a midrange jumper a few possessions later. || 44-33 Tampa

4th Quarter || Sullivan kept up the intensity on the offensive end for the Spartans as she drove baseline and finished a tough layup at the rim, giving her 11 points in the game. Tampa continued to dominate in the rebounding battle as both Wright-Ponder and Nagy increased their rebounding totals in the fourth quarter. In the closing minutes, Nagy added to her solid night by hitting a midrange jumper in rhythm, followed by a steal on the next defensive possession, which ultimately led to another layup for Sullivan, who finished the game with 14 points. || 65-40 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Three Spartans scored in double-digits figures: Dori Nagy (20), LaShayla Wright-Ponder (17), Melijah Sullivan (14)
• After scoring the first basket, the Eagles did not regain the lead throughout the entire duration of the game.
• Dori Nagy finished the night with 20 points and 13 rebounds
• LaShayla Wright-Ponder finished the night with 17 points and 12 rebounds
• Kris Nelson recorded seven assists

BEYOND THE BOX:

• Tampa is on a seven-game winning streak, dating back to December 4^th. 
• Nagy and Wright-Ponder both recorded their 5^th double-double performance of the season.
• Melijah Sullivan posted her 9^th double figure game of the season; 4^th consecutive.
• The Spartans continue their dominant SSC play as they maintain their first place position in the conference standings with a record of 6-0.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will look to keep up their momentum, riding a seven-game winning streak, as they face-off against the Buccaneers of Barry University this Saturday, January 12^th at 2PM.

As for the Eagles, they will return home and look to snap a five-game losing streak as they tipoff against the Eckerd Tritons this Saturday, January 12^th at 4PM.

GAMEDAY MULTIMEDIA: Fans may watch all home games and Sunshine State Conference contests on TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.

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