Spartans Top Lions, Win Third Straight Against SSC

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans took on the Saint Leo Lions at the Bob Martinez Center Saturday afternoon, improving to 9-8 on the season with a 76-56 victory.

After losing four straight against Sunshine State Conference opponents to begin the season, the Spartans have now won each of the last three to improve to 3-4 in conference play.   

Guard Juliana Cavallaro led the way with 19 points, her most since scoring 27 on December 2 at Benedict. This was the eighth time she's led the team in points.

Overall, the Spartans shot 51 percent from the field, 61 percent beyond the arc and 92 percent from the line. The team's 20 assists and 76 points were both the second-most in a game this season.

Tampa also outrebounded Saint Leo 37-24 and outscored them in the paint (26-18) and off the bench (21-6) while turning the ball over a season-low six times.

The defense held the Lions to just 39 percent from the field for the game, and 36 percent in the second half while allowing just four points in the final six minutes of play.

The Spartans return to action Wednesday when they welcome in another Sunshine State Conference foe, the Nova Southeastern Sharks, to the Bob Martinez Center for a 5:30 PM ET tipoff.

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