Tampa Closes Out Classic 2–0 with Victory Over Bemidji State

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team closed out its Thanksgiving weekend homestand with a strong fourth-quarter surge, pulling away from Bemidji State for a 66–49 non-conference victory Saturday afternoon inside the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 66, Bemidji State 49
Records: Tampa (4–4), Bemidji State (3–2)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa opened the afternoon with steady offensive execution and defensive pressure, navigating a tightly contested first quarter before trailing 17–14 after 10 minutes. The Spartans regained control in the second quarter behind improved ball movement and timely perimeter shooting.

Amy Thompson provided a spark from deep, knocking down two first-half threes, while Olivia Davis added 11 early points to pace the offense. Tampa's defense limited Bemidji State to just four field goals in the period, helping the Spartans carry a 30–28 lead into halftime.

Giorgia Palmieri directed the offense with poise throughout the half, tallying five assists before the break while also attacking the glass.

Second Half

Tampa and Bemidji State traded baskets early in the third quarter before the Spartans regained momentum. Thompson continued her hot shooting, connecting on two second-half threes, and Ryan Franklin established herself inside with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Spartans, who erupted for 24 points while holding the Beavers to nine. Tampa's defensive intensity and rebounding presence created separation, with the Spartans forcing several key turnovers and pushing the tempo to close out the win.

Faith Pickens added valuable minutes off the bench with four points and four rebounds, while Brooklynn Butler delivered five points, two assists, and strong perimeter defense. Tampa finished the night shooting an efficient 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Amy Thompson: 14 pts (4–6 3FG), 3 reb

• Ryan Franklin: 14 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast

• Olivia Davis: 11 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast

• Giorgia Palmieri: 6 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

• Alanis Diaz: 8 pts, 4 reb

• Maddie O'Berski: 4 pts, 1 stl

• Faith Pickens: 4 pts, 4 reb

• Brooklynn Butler: 5 pts, 2 ast

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 55% (24–44)

• Three-Point Percentage: 50% (7–14)

• Free Throws: 11–16

• Rebounds: 33

• Points in the Paint: 28

• Points off Turnovers: 4

• Fast-Break Points: 2

• Bench Points: 13

• Assists: 16

UP NEXT

Tampa returns to action next week as it resumes Sunshine State Conference play on the road at Eckerd College on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 5:30 PM.