Franklin’s Double-Double Fuels Spartans’ Road Victory

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team put together a dominant performance Saturday afternoon, defeating Florida Tech 72–54 at the Clemente Center. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 72, Florida Tech 54
Records: Tampa (12–8, 7–4 SSC), Florida Tech (5–13, 2–9 SSC)
Location: Clemente Center | Melbourne, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa opened the scoring with a Ryan Franklin layup as the game began in a back-and-forth rhythm. Alanis Diaz worked effectively in the paint to help the Spartans gain an early edge, while Giorgia Palmieri capitalized on a fast-break opportunity to extend the lead. Franklin's presence on the glass at both ends fueled Tampa's momentum, giving the Spartans a 20–10 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Palmieri opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, setting the tone for a strong stretch. Maddie O'Berski and Olivia Davis contributed on the boards, moved the ball efficiently, and provided key defensive stops. Davis kept things going and knocked down back-to-back threes to further widen the gap. Tampa capped the half with a Palmieri layup at the buzzer, heading into halftime with a commanding 42–22 lead.

Second Half

Franklin got Tampa on the board to start the third quarter with a finish inside. Florida Tech found a brief spark, but the Spartans kept their foot on the gas. Amy Thompson added a three-pointer and a layup as Tampa continued to control the glass and maximize each possession. Despite the Panthers' efforts to cut into the lead, Tampa entered the final period ahead 56–42.

Davis opened the fourth quarter with a trip to the free-throw line, while Diaz anchored the defense to shut down Florida Tech's offense. Franklin ended the night with another double-double, and Tampa capitalized at the stripe, shooting 91 percent from the free-throw line. With over half of their points coming in the paint, the Spartans secured a 72–54 victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Ryan Franklin: 22 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast
• Giorgia Palmieri: 13 pts, 1 reb, 6 ast
• Alanis Diaz: 11 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast
• Olivia Davis: 10 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast
• Brooklynn Butler: 7 pts, 5 reb
• Amy Thompson: 7 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 56% (28–50)
• Three-Point Percentage: 35% (6–17)
• Free Throws: 91% (10–11)
• Rebounds: 38
• Bench Points: 9 (13%)
• Points in the Paint: 40 (56%)