Stifling Defense Anchors Spartans Over No.15 Tars for 7th Straight Win

WINTER PARK, Fla.-The University of Tampa (15-5, 8-2 SSC) women's basketball team dominated No.15 Rollins College (18-4, 6-3 SSC) by a score of 78-57 Wednesday night at Warden Arena.

The Spartans started off on the right foot, jumping out to a 9-0 run in the first three minutes of the game and never looking back. Tampa led by as many as 14 in the first half and a late three-pointer by Shamika Williams had the Spartans up 41-28 at halftime.

Tampa continued its dismantling of No. 15 Rollins much like the beginning of the first half, going on a 9-0 run to start the second. UT's smothering defense held Rollins scoreless for the first six minutes of the half.

The Spartans extended their lead to as many as 24 late in the second half. The Tars trailed for the entirety of the game.

Tampa was led by a balanced attack as four players ended in double figures. Juliana Cavallaro led UT with 19 points, shooting a scorching 7-for-11 from the field. Williams torched Rollins for her fourth double-double on the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Forward Aisha Rodney came off the bench to spark UT with a career-high 14 points, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field and a season best 6-for-7 from the free throw stripe. Illyssa Vivo also contributed 12 points and six key rebounds for the Spartans.

The Spartans could not miss from the field as they shot an unheard of 57 percent for the game. The Tars had no answer as they shot 33 percent from the field and struggled throughout the game to get their offense going.

Tampa controlled the boards for the extent of the game, outrebounding Rollins 38-27. UT also had the advantage with points in the paint, winning the battle in the trenches 28-12.

Tampa will face off against conference foe Florida Tech this Saturday in the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. The all-time series is tied at 31-31. The Panthers trumped the Spartans 72-62 in their last meeting (1/11/14).

Tickets are available at the gate for $5. Children 12-and-under will be admitted free. UT faculty, staff and students are admitted free when displaying a valid Spartan ID card.

UT will offer live stats and a webcast for the match through TampaSpartans.tv.

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