Close Contest Ends in Defeat for Tampa

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team battled through a defensive, back-and-forth contest Saturday afternoon but came up short, falling 60–53 to MSU Billings at South Point Arena.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: MSU Billings 60, Tampa 53
Records: Tampa (6–6, 2–2 SSC), MSU Billings (7–7, 0–2 GNAC)
Location: South Point Arena | Las Vegas, Nev.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Tampa opened the game with steady energy as Ryan Franklin got the Spartans on the board early with a layup and jumper, while also making an impact on the glass. Alanis Diaz and Giorgia Palmieri added baskets to help Tampa generate momentum in the opening quarter.

In the second period, Brooklynn Butler connected on a timely three-pointer, and Palmieri came away with a key steal, but offensive production remained tough to come by. MSU Billings capitalized defensively, and Tampa went into halftime trailing 25–18.

Second Half
The Spartans found a spark in the third quarter behind Amy Thompson, who knocked down three three-pointers to keep Tampa within striking distance. Palmieri was clutch at the free-throw line late in the period, as Tampa went a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe. Despite the push, MSU Billings continued to answer offensively to maintain its lead.

Tampa continued to chip away in the fourth quarter, with three-pointers from Butler and Olivia Davis narrowing the gap. Franklin controlled the boards throughout the half, securing several key rebounds and finishing with a double-double. However, MSU Billings remained aggressive in the paint down the stretch, holding off the Spartans' rally to secure the 60–53 decision.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Franklin: 12 pts, 14 reb

• Giorgia Palmieri: 10 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast

• Amy Thompson: 9 pts, 2 ast

• Olivia Davis: 8 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast

• Alanis Diaz: 8 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast

• Brooklynn Butler: 6 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 6

• Field Goal Percentage: 36% (20–55)

• Three-Point Percentage: 29% (7–24)

• Free Throws: 6–6 (100%)

• Rebounds: 36

• Points in the Paint: 20

 UP NEXT

Tampa returns to action tomorrow, December 21st, for game 2 of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic. The Spartans will face Texas A&M-Kingsville at 12 p.m. EST, before returning to conference play on January 3rd against Florida Tech at 2 p.m. EST at the Bob Martinez Athletic Center.