Balanced Attack Propels Tampa Past Barry, 79–53

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team turned in a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, using stifling defense and efficient scoring to defeat Barry 79–53 at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 79, Barry 53
Records: Tampa (10–6, 5–2 SSC), Barry (5–8, 2–4 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Barry won the opening tip, but Tampa quickly established its presence inside as Ryan Franklin scored in the paint to get the Spartans on the board. A quick steal by Amy Thompson sparked early momentum, and Tampa took advantage of trips to the free-throw line to build its offense.

The opening quarter remained tightly contested, with Alanis Diaz making an impact on both ends through effective rebounding and timely scoring. Giorgia Palmieri added a three-pointer and a jumper at the buzzer to push Tampa ahead 20–14 after one.

Palmieri carried her momentum into the second quarter, opening the period with back-to-back scores from beyond the arc and the mid-range. Maddie O'Berski forced a turnover on the defensive end, while the Spartans' offense continued to click. Olivia Davis knocked down a three-pointer as Tampa maintained a fast pace and locked in defensively. Strong rebounding and disciplined defense helped Tampa pull away, taking a 43–22 lead into halftime.

Second Half
Amy Thompson opened the second half by setting the tone for Tampa, while Davis connected on another three-pointer to extend the lead. Brooklyn Butler added three of her own as the Spartans continued their offensive surge. O'Berski capped the third quarter with a jumper at the buzzer, sending Tampa into the final period with a commanding 68–33 advantage.

Franklin continued her strong play inside, finishing the game with a double-double, as Tampa maintained its intensity over the final 10 minutes. The Spartans controlled the tempo and closed out the 79–53 Sunshine State Conference victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Giorgia Palmieri: 18 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast

• Ryan Franklin: 12 pts, 11 reb

• Brooklynn Butler: 12 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast

• Olivia Davis: 10 pts, 1 reb

• Alanis Diaz: 8 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast

• Faith Pickens: 8 pts, 4 reb

TEAM STATS

• Bench Points: 26

• Field Goal Percentage: 49.0% (29–59)

• Three-Point Percentage: 37.0% (7–19)

• Free Throws: 93.0% (14–15)

• Rebounds: 33

• Points in the Paint: 32 (41%)

• Points off Turnovers: 18 (23%)