Spartans Drop SSC Road Contest at No. 12 Nova Southeastern

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team battled on the road against nationally ranked No. 12 Nova Southeastern, but the Sharks' perimeter shooting proved to be the difference as the Spartans fell 67–49 in Saturday's Sunshine State Conference opener.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Nova Southeastern 67, Tampa 49
Records: Tampa (2–4, 0–1 SSC), Nova Southeastern (4–0, 1–0 SSC)
Location: Rick Case Arena | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa found early success in the paint, with Alanis Diaz attacking downhill and Ryan Franklin establishing a presence on the block. Diaz opened the scoring for Tampa and continued to generate offense around the rim, finishing the first quarter with six points. Despite Tampa's efficient shooting inside, Nova Southeastern countered with a quick perimeter attack, knocking down two early threes to take a 15–10 lead after the opening 10 minutes.

The Sharks' outside shooting surged in the second quarter, where they converted six three-pointers to create separation. Tampa continued to score at the rim, paced by strong drives from Diaz and Olivia Davis, while Davis also added valuable trips to the free-throw line. Maddie O'Berski provided a spark with a mid-quarter assist and defensive activity, but Nova's momentum from beyond the arc pushed the halftime margin to 38–26.

Second Half

The Spartans tightened defensively in the third, holding Nova Southeastern to just 8 points and contesting the three-point line more effectively. Tampa controlled the glass during this stretch—grabbing 15 rebounds in the period—and cut into the deficit thanks to steady free-throw shooting from Davis and efficient interior finishes by Diaz.

In the fourth quarter, Nova responded with another offensive burst, capitalizing on transition opportunities and regaining rhythm from deep. Tampa continued to battle, with Franklin collecting key rebounds and Diaz reaching the 20-point mark, but the Sharks' perimeter production sealed the result.

STAT LEADERS

• Alanis Diaz: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7-of-10 FG, 6-of-9 FT
  

• Olivia Davis: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
  

• Ryan Franklin: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
  

• Giorgia Palmieri: 6 rebounds, 2 assists
  

Tampa finished the afternoon shooting 39% from the field with a 37–35 edge on the glass.

Up Next

The Spartans will return home for the Tampa Thanksgiving Classic, hosting games on Friday, November 28, at 2 PM against Davis & Elkins and Saturday, November 29, at 2 PM against Bemidji State inside the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.