Tampa Stumps Embry-Riddle

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After a week layoff, the University of Tampa Spartans traveled to Daytona Beach to take on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles. The Spartans claimed a 61-50 victory to sweep the season series over the Eagles. After the victory UT sits at 12-9 on the season while Embry-Riddle falls to 6-14 on the year.

Juliana Cavallaro led the way for Tampa as the senior shot 8-12 from the field en route to 21 points on the night. Cavallaro also added six rebounds for the Spartans. Elena De Alfredo also scored in double digits for the Spartans, as the guard contributed with 13 points and a team-high four assists. Karma Jeremie tied Cavallaro for a team-high six rebounds.

After Tampa started the game with a 6-0 run, Embry-Riddle went on an 8-2 run of their own to tie the game at 8-8. The two teams would trade baskets the remainder of the quarter, as the Spartans would take an 18-14 lead in the quarter. Taylor McVey started strong for UT, as the senior scored six of the team's first eight points.

At the 6:48 mark of the second quarter, the Eagles pulled within two points as they trailed 23-21 mark. On the ensuing possession, Cavallaro ignited a Spartans run with a lay-up. UT would go on a 12-0 run over the next four minutes, as they took a 35-21 advantage. Tampa would go into the half with a 37-23 advantage.

As a team, the Spartans would shoot 64 percent (16-25) from the field and 66.7 percent (4-6) from beyond the arc. Their defense would also prove to be tough as they held the Eagles to 35.5 percent (11-31) from the field and just 10 percent (1-10) from beyond the arc.

Cavallaro led the team in the first half as she recorded 10 points and three rebounds.

ERAU would come out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter as they went on a 13-3 run over the first seven minutes of the half to cut the deficit to just four points at 40-36. After head coach Tom Jessee called a timeout, UT would finish the final three minutes on a 7-0 run as they took a 47-36 lead into the final quarter.

The two teams each scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, as Tampa would finish up the 61-50 victory.

As a team UT shot 54.2 percent (26-48) from the field, and 46.2 percent from three (6-13). The Spartans held the advantage in defensive rebounds at 23-16 and held a 28-26 advantage in points in the paint.

The Spartans will continue SSC play on Saturday as they welcome in the Eckerd College Tritons into the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. The game is set to being at 2:00 P.M.

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