Spartans Defeat Rollins 80–67 in SSC Victory

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team put together a strong all-around performance in a Sunshine State Conference matchup Saturday afternoon, securing an 80–67 road victory over Rollins at the Alfond Sports Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 80, Rollins 67
Records: Tampa (5–5, 1–2 SSC), Rollins (4–4, 0–4 SSC)
Location: Alfond Sports Center | Winter Park, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Tampa set the tone early by attacking the paint and controlling the glass. The Spartans built an early advantage behind efficient interior scoring from Ryan Franklin and aggressive drives from Alanis Diaz, taking an 18–14 lead after the opening quarter.

Rollins answered in the second quarter by heating up from beyond the arc, knocking down four three-pointers in the period to swing momentum. Despite continued success inside from Giorgia Palmieri and Franklin, the Tars outscored Tampa 22–14 in the quarter, sending the Spartans into halftime trailing 36–32.

Second Half
The Spartans came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter, dominating the paint and converting at the free-throw line. Franklin anchored the offense inside while Palmieri facilitated and finished at the rim, helping Tampa shoot over 75 percent in the period. Tampa poured in 25 points in the frame to regain the lead heading into the fourth.

In the final quarter, Tampa maintained control by continuing to attack inside and limiting second-chance opportunities. The Spartans closed the game with timely baskets and solid defensive possessions, outscoring Rollins 23–14 in the period to seal the 80–67 win.

Tampa finished with a decisive edge in the paint, scoring 58 points inside, while also winning the rebounding battle 40–20. The Spartans committed just nine turnovers and capitalized with 17 points off turnovers to pull away late.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Franklin: 26 pts, 8 reb

• Giorgia Palmieri: 22 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast

• Alanis Diaz: 14 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast

• Olivia Davis: 8 pts, 1 reb

• Maddie O'Berski: 4 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 10

• Field Goal Percentage: 52.5% (31–59)

• Three-Point Percentage: 14.3% (1–7)

• Free Throws: 17–23

• Rebounds: 40

• Points in the Paint: 58

• Points off Turnovers: 17