Franklin's Double-Double Powers Tampa to 73-60 Road Victory

SAINT LEO, Fla. – Ryan Franklin's 27-point, 13-rebound double-double powered the Spartans to a 73-60 road win over Saint Leo in a Sunshine State Conference matchup.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 73, Saint Leo 60
Records: Tampa (18–10, 13–6 SSC), Saint Leo (7–18, 3–16 SSC)
Location: Marion Bowman Activities Center | Saint Leo, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Alanis Diaz got things started at the line as both teams opened slow. Saint Leo struck early and used its three-point attack to build an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. A Brooklynn Butler three and a Ryan Franklin layup kept the Spartans within reach.

Franklin scored inside to open the second quarter and continued to chip away in the paint while the Spartans tightened up defensively. Amy Thompson added a trip to the line as Saint Leo stayed hot from beyond the arc. A Butler jumper and a Palmieri free throw evened things up at 35-35 heading into halftime.

Second Half

Franklin struck first out of the break, followed by a big three from Thompson. The Spartans went to work in the paint, building momentum as Franklin capitalized on fast-break opportunities. A late Saint Leo jumper trimmed the deficit to 56-50 heading into the fourth.

The Lions scored first in the final frame, but threes from Thompson and Olivia Davis pushed Tampa back in front. Diaz added points in the paint, Franklin converted at the line, and Giorgia Palmieri knocked down a three. Franklin sealed the performance with a dominant 27-point, 13-rebound effort as the Spartans pulled away for the 73-60 win.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Franklin: 27 pts, 13 reb, 2 ast
• Olivia Davis: 12 pts, 5 ast
• Amy Thompson: 11 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl
• Alanis Diaz: 10 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast
• Brooklynn Butler: 7 pts, 3 ast
• Giorgia Palmieri: 4 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 47% (27–58)
• Three-Point Percentage: 37% (7–19)
• Free Throws: 92% (12–13)
• Rebounds: 34
• Off the Bench: 9 (12%)
• Points in the Paint: 36 (49%)

UP NEXT

Tampa returns to the Bob for the final game of the regular season on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. against Palm Beach Atlantic. Senior Day will be celebrated prior to tip-off.