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Tom Jessee Wins 500th Game at Tampa
Tom Jessee Wins 500th Game at Tampa
January 3, 2026

Tom Jessee Wins 500th Game at Helm of Tampa With Win Over Florida Tech

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TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team returned home and delivered a dominant performance, defeating Florida Tech 87–66 in Sunshine State Conference play. The victory not only showcased Tampa's offensive firepower and defensive execution but also marked a historic milestone as head coach Tom Jessee earned his 500th career win at the helm of the Spartans.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

  • Final Score: Tampa 87, Florida Tech 66
  • Records: Tampa (8–6, 3–2 SSC), Florida Tech (4–9, 1–5 SSC)
  • Location: Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.
  • All-time Series: The Spartans hold a 52-35 lead in the all-time series with Florida Tech. Tampa has woin the previous 15 meetings versus the Panthers.

HOW IT HAPPENED

FIRST HALF

Tampa set the tone early with a blistering offensive start, shooting 57.1% in the opening quarter. Olivia Davis caught fire from deep, hitting three triples in the first 10 minutes and scoring 11 points in the frame. Ryan Franklin provided an inside presence with two early buckets, while Amy Thompson added a late three-pointer to push Tampa ahead 22–14 after one.

The Spartans extended their lead in the second quarter with balanced scoring and suffocating defense. Giorgia Palmieri orchestrated the offense with precision, scoring nine points and dishing two assists in the period. Davis continued her hot hand with another three-pointer, and Alanis Diaz contributed key mid-range jumpers. Tampa shot 75% in the second quarter and went into halftime leading 47–29.

Halftime Score: Tampa 47, Florida Tech 29

SECOND HALF

Florida Tech briefly surged in the third quarter, hitting four threes, but Tampa maintained control. Franklin battled inside for second-chance points, while Palmieri and Davis combined for timely baskets to keep the margin comfortable. Diaz added a driving layup and a steal-to-score sequence, helping Tampa close the quarter ahead 67–55.

In the fourth, Tampa sealed the win with a 20-point frame fueled by perimeter shooting. Thompson drilled two threes, including one assisted by Franklin, and Palmieri added six points and a key layup in transition. Noelle Mengel and Faith Pickens chipped in late buckets as Tampa's depth finished the job.

Final Score: Tampa 87, Florida Tech 66

INSIDE THE STATS

  • Giorgia Palmieri: 24 points (9–12 FG, 2–3 3PT, 4–4 FT), 7 assists, 4 steals
  • Olivia Davis: 23 points (7–9 FG, 5–6 3PT), 7 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Ryan Franklin: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
  • Amy Thompson: 12 points (4–6 3PT), 2 assists
  • Alanis Diaz: 10 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds
  • Tampa shot 55.7% from the field, 55% from three, and was a perfect 8-for-8 at the line.
  • The Spartans dominated the paint with 40 points inside and scored 13 fast-break points.
  • Tampa recorded 22 assists on 34 made baskets and committed just 7 turnovers.

MILESTONE WIN

  • The Spartans celebrated head coach Tom Jessee's 500th career victory at Tampa.
  • In his 24th season at UT, Jessee is now 500-197 at Tampa. He is the all-time winningest coach in program history.
  • As a head coach, Jessee has amassed an all-time record of 670-286 in 33 seasons between Tampa and Bluefield State.

UP NEXT

  • The Spartans are back in action on Wednesday, hosting Saint Leo University at 5:30 p.m., at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.