Tampa Falls Late in tight 47–45 Road Contest at Lee

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team came up just short in a hard-fought 47–45 loss to the Lee Flames on Saturday afternoon at Walker Arena.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 45, Lee 47
Records: Tampa 1-3 (0-0 Sunshine State), Lee 2-0 (0-0 Gulf South)
Location: Walker Arena | Cleveland, Tenn.
All-time series: Non-conference matchup.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF
Tampa opened the game with strong defensive pressure, limiting Lee to just eight points in the opening quarter while taking a 10–8 lead. The Spartans continued to hang tough in a low-scoring second period, getting a spark from Brooklynn Butler off the bench with a three-pointer, while Olivia Davis went 4-for-4 at the line. A late Lee jumper at the buzzer sent Tampa into halftime trailing 20–18.

SECOND HALF
The Spartans built momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Lee 20–8 behind efficient shooting from Davis and Giorgia Palmieri and interior production from Ryan Franklin. Tampa entered the fourth with a 38–26 advantage, but Lee responded with a 19–7 run in the final frame. Despite holding the lead most of the second half, the Spartans were unable to hold off the late push as the Flames closed out a narrow 47–45 decision.

KEY PERFORMERS:

• Olivia Davis: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 7-for-8 FT

• Alanis Diaz: 8 points, 7 rebounds

• Giorgia Palmieri: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

• Ryan Franklin: 6 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block