Back-and-Forth Battle Ends in Eckerd Win

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Women's Basketball fought hard but fell to the Eckerd Tritons in a Sunshine State Conference matchup.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Eckerd 73, Tampa 63
Records: Tampa (13–9, 8–5 SSC), Eckerd (17–4, 12–2 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Tampa won the opening tip and got to work early. Alanis Diaz opened the scoring with a jumper, followed by an Amy Thompson three-pointer to keep the offense rolling. Diaz went to work in the paint as Eckerd kept things close behind strong three-point shooting. Diaz added a steal to disrupt the Tritons' offense and later finished an and-one opportunity. Eckerd made a late push to end the first quarter with the score tied at 20–20.

Ryan Franklin opened the scoring in the second quarter with a basket inside, while Giorgia Palmieri continued to make an impact on the glass. The pace picked up as the game stayed tight. Olivia Davis knocked down a big three to give Tampa the lead and added key rebounds. The back-and-forth action continued, but another late Triton run sent Eckerd into halftime with a 38–33 advantage.

Second Half
Ryan Franklin opened the second half for Tampa with a trip to the free-throw line. The Spartans quickly settled in defensively, as an Olivia Davis three-pointer and a Faith Pickens layup helped Tampa build momentum. Eckerd responded to cut the lead, keeping the game close once again. Tampa entered the final quarter trailing 50–47.

The final period featured fast-paced, back-and-forth action as both teams battled for control. Palmieri scored first for Tampa in the quarter. Eckerd was able to pull ahead down the stretch, and despite a strong effort from the Spartans, Tampa ultimately fell 73–63.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Amy Thompson: 17 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast
• Alanis Diaz: 15 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
• Ryan Franklin: 9 pts, 2 reb
• Giorgia Palmieri: 8 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl
• Olivia Davis: 7 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl
• Faith Pickens: 7 pts, 2 reb

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 43% (25–58)
• Three-Point Percentage: 50% (5–10)
• Free Throws: 80% (8–10)
• Rebounds: 26
• Off of Forced Turnovers: 15 (24%)
• Points in the Paint: 24 (38%)

UP NEXT

Tampa returns to action at the Bob Martinez Center this Saturday, February 7th, at 2 p.m. as the Spartans host Embry-Riddle. Tampa will then head back on the road for a matchup on Wednesday, February 11th, at 5:30 p.m at Barry.