Tampa Closes Regular Season Strong in Senior Day Victory

TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Women's Basketball dominated with a 75–42 win over Palm Beach Atlantic in their Senior Day matchup. This game marked the final contest of the regular season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: Tampa 75, Palm Beach Atlantic 42
Records: Tampa (19–10, 14–6 SSC), Palm Beach Atlantic (12–16, 8–12 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Center | Tampa, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half
Tampa won the tipoff, and Senior Day action was underway. Palm Beach Atlantic was first to strike. Amy Thompson answered with a three to get the Spartans started. Ryan Franklin got to work on the boards and followed with a layup in the paint. Thompson knocked down another three, and Giorgia Palmieri added points inside. Franklin went 2-for-2 at the line. The Sailfish stayed close as Alanis Diaz converted at the stripe. The Spartans ended the first quarter leading 17–14.

The second started fast with both teams battling to score. Franklin opened the quarter with a free throw, and soon after, a quick jumper from Diaz. Franklin followed with an and-one. Jade Thompson brought the ball up for the Spartans as the clock wound down to halftime. Late threes from Amy Thompson kept Tampa in front. Faith Pickens added a bucket inside, and Maddie O'Berski grabbed her own rebound for a score. The Spartans closed the half leading 35–19.

Second Half
Amy Thompson opened the second half with her fifth three of the day. Franklin followed with a jumper, and Palmieri added a layup. Pickens went 2-for-2 from the line, and Franklin converted another and-one. Pickens scored through traffic inside as the Spartans' defensive pressure and hot offense pushed the lead to 57–29 at the end of the third.

Brooklynn Butler hit a three to start the fourth. Pickens continued working the glass on both ends of the court. Behind Faith Pickens' career-high 20 points and a dominant 50 team rebounds, the Spartans maintained control and secured the 75–42 victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Faith Pickens: 20 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
• Ryan Franklin: 19 pts, 15 reb, 1 ast
• Amy Thompson: 15 pts, 2 reb
• Giorgia Palmieri: 6 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast
• Brooklynn Butler: 6 pts, 1 reb, 3 ast
• Alanis Diaz: 5 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 44% (27–61)
• Three-Point Percentage: 32% (7–22)
• Free Throws: 88% (14–16)
• Rebounds: 50
• Off the Bench: 30 (40%)
• Points in the Paint: 36 (48%)

UP NEXT

Tampa will head into Sunshine State Conference Tournament play on Tuesday, March 3. The location, Opponent, and time are to be determined.