No. 16 Tampa Comes Through With Win to Stay Undefeated

LAKELAND, Fla. - The No. 16 University of Tampa (9-0) women's basketball team topped the University of North Alabama (9-3) by a 58-49 score to match the program record for consecutive wins to start a season.

At 9-0, this marks the best Spartan start to a season since the Tom Jessee-coached 2009-10 squad also opened at 9-0. The program record for consecutive victories is 13, which also happened in 2009.

Tampa took a 33-24 lead to halftime, though the Lions kept the game close throughout the final half. UNA would take a brief 47-46 lead with 2:56 to play, as head coach Tom Jessee's squad responded with a 10-0 run over the next two minutes to put the game away.

Illyssa Vivo led all Spartans with a team-high 18 points, as her backcourt mate, Shamika Williams turned in 15. Vivo also led UT with nine rebounds and five assists.

Tampa will head to a mandated NCAA break from Dec. 20-26, and return to the court at home against Rollins College on Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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