December 19, 2014
Spartans Cruise Past Zias
LAKELAND, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa Spartans (7-2) led from wire to wire as they defeated the Eastern New Mexico University Zias (4-6) 84-59 in day one of the Florida Southern Tournament.
The Spartans opened up the game up with a 15-2 run and never looked back as they ended the first half with a 41-25 lead. Junior Taylor McVey led the half with nine points and 10 rebounds. As a team, UT shot 14-28 (50%) from the field, while holding the Zias to 11-31 (35.5%)
UT continued hot from the field as they shot 18-26 (69.2%) from the field, and held ENMU to 13-31 (41.9%). The Spartans made a presence on the inside, as they scored 24 points inside the paint in the second period of play.
As a team, Tampa outshot Eastern New Mexico 59 to 39 percent. The Spartans were also able to outbound the Zias by a total of 37 to 24.
Junior Juliana Cavallaro led the way with 20 points for UT. Four other Spartans scored in double digit as junior Ellen Nurmi added 18, senior Aisha Rodney had 17, and juniors Taylor McVey and Candace Martino added 11 points a piece. McVey also recorded a double-double as she added 12 rebounds on the day.
The Spartans will be back in action tomorrow, as they take on the Molloy College Lions at 1:00 PM in day two of the Florida Southern Tournament.
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