Double-Doubles Power Tampa Past No. 4 Nova Southeastern
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Women's Basketball delivered an impressive home performance against nationally ranked No. 4 Nova Southeastern. Led by double-doubles from Alanis Diaz and Giorgia Palmieri, the Spartans defeated the Sharks, 79–60.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Tampa 79, Nova Southeastern 60
Records: Tampa (13–8, 8–4 SSC), Nova Southeastern (19–2, 11–2 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Center | Tampa, Fla.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
Tampa won the opening tip, and an Amy Thompson three-pointer got things started. The game opened at a fast pace, with Alanis Diaz recording a big steal to keep the momentum with the Spartans. Ryan Franklin went to work in the paint as Tampa's defense applied pressure and forced turnovers. Nova Southeastern responded with physical defense and quick offense, turning the contest into a back-and-forth battle. Tampa answered by continuing to attack inside, and Diaz capped the quarter with a buzzer-beating three to give the Spartans a 25–16 lead.
Giorgia Palmieri opened the second quarter with a trip to the free-throw line, while Diaz continued attacking the glass. The Sharks chipped away at the lead, but Palmieri's presence in the paint helped Tampa maintain control. Maddie O'Berski added a layup, and Olivia Davis contributed with back-to-back trips to the line. Tampa headed into halftime leading 43–33.
Second Half
Ryan Franklin was first on the board in the second half with a trip to the free-throw line. Nova Southeastern worked to cut into the Spartans' lead, making it a back-and-forth contest once again. A Palmieri three swung momentum back in Tampa's favor, followed by a 2-for-2 trip to the line from Franklin. O'Berski continued to battle inside as Tampa's defense remained relentless.
The final period saw the pace pick up, with Palmieri scoring first for the Spartans. Franklin powered through pressure in the paint, while Palmieri continued to impact both ends of the floor. Amy Thompson knocked down a timely three to extend Tampa's lead. The Spartans' offense stayed efficient while making key defensive stops. Palmieri finished with an impressive double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Diaz added 12 points and 16 rebounds of her own. Tampa closed out a dominant 79–60 victory over the nationally ranked No. 4 Sharks.
INSIDE THE STATS
- Ryan Franklin: 19 pts, 5 reb
- Giorgia Palmieri: 16 pts, 13 reb, 8 ast, 2 stl
- Olivia Davis: 14 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl
- Alanis Diaz: 12 pts, 16 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
- Amy Thompson: 10 pts, 1 reb
- Maddie O'Berski: 8 pts, 1 reb, 1 ast
TEAM STATS
- Field Goal Percentage: 48% (25–52)
- Three-Point Percentage: 35% (6–17)
- Free Throws: 82% (23–28)
- Rebounds: 40
- On Fast Break: 15 (19%)
- Points in the Paint: 30 (38%)