Tampa Locks In for 71–63 Win Over UAH
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The University of Tampa Women's Basketball team continued its early-season slate with a neutral-site contest against the University of Alabama Huntsville at Walker Arena. The Spartans put together an efficient offensive showing and a strong defensive response after a high-scoring first quarter, earning a 71–63 victory to make them 1–2 on the year.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Tampa 71, UAH 63
Records: Tampa 1-2 (0-0 Sunshine State), UAH 1-2 (0-0 Gulf South)
Location: Walker Arena | Cleveland, Tenn.
All-time series: Non-conference matchup.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
FIRST HALF:
Tampa worked through an early UAH shooting surge, responding with balanced scoring across the lineup. Despite UAH knocking down six first-quarter threes to build a quick lead, Tampa stayed composed behind the steady interior play of Ryan Franklin, who scored in the paint and grabbed early rebounds.
The Spartans countered UAH's fast start with efficient ball movement, recording five assists in the opening quarter and shooting 8-for-14 from the field. Alanis Diaz provided an offensive spark with confident drives and an early three, while Brooklynn Butler added a timely triple to help Tampa keep pace. UAH held a 29–18 lead after one.
Tampa flipped the momentum completely in the second quarter. The Spartans' defense tightened, holding UAH to just nine points in the period. Diaz fueled the turnaround with an 11-point quarter on 5-of-8 shooting, while Franklin controlled the defensive glass. Olivia Davis chipped in with three free throws and strong rebounding, and Giorgia Palmieri facilitated the offense with two assists in the frame. By halftime, Tampa had rallied into a 37–38 deficit, setting up a tight battle the rest of the way.
Score: UAH 38, Tampa 37
SECOND HALF:
Tampa took control early in the third quarter behind Franklin, who dominated inside with six points and four rebounds in the period. Butler knocked down another three, while Diaz stayed hot with a pair of mid-range jumpers. Tampa's defense held UAH to 36% shooting in the quarter, helping the Spartans take a 57–55 advantage heading into the fourth.
In the final frame, Tampa delivered a composed and efficient finish. Franklin continued her strong outing with four more points and a block, while Butler drilled her third three of the game. Davis added steady guard play with rebounds and free throws, and Palmieri's ball distribution kept Tampa's offense flowing with five total assists.
The Spartans pulled away late with disciplined half-court execution and defensive stops, closing the game on a 14–8 run to secure the road-neutral win.
Final: Tampa 71, UAH 63
INSIDE THE STATS:
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Ryan Franklin led the Spartans with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal, shooting 9-of-15 from the field.
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Alanis Diaz delivered an efficient 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
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Brooklynn Butler added 15 points, including 3-of-7 from deep, plus 3 assists.
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Olivia Davis contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 36 minutes.
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Giorgia Palmieri tallied 5 assists and a block while running the point.
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Tampa shot 55.8% from the field and 42.9% from three, with 21 assists on 29 made baskets.
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The Spartans committed just 9 turnovers and held UAH to 36.1% shooting overall.
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Tampa scored 30 points in the paint and received 25 bench points, highlighted by Butler's performance.
