Mocs Defeat Spartans in SSC Quarterfinals

LAKELAND, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's basketball team saw its Sunshine State Conference Tournament run end in heartbreaking fashion, falling 52–50 to Florida Southern College in the SSC Quarterfinals at Jenkins Field House. The Spartans led for over 32 minutes and held a double‑digit advantage late in the first half, but a strong Moccasin surge in the final quarter flipped the result.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final Score: Florida Southern 52, Tampa 50
Records: Tampa (19–11, 14–6 SSC), Florida Southern (22–6, 15–5 SSC)
Location: Jenkins Field House | Lakeland, Fla.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half

Tampa opened strong after winning the tip, with Ryan Franklin getting to work early inside. The Spartans found momentum midway through the quarter as Olivia Davis knocked down a three, followed by baskets from Giorgia Palmieri and Faith Pickens. Tampa closed the opening frame ahead 17–13.

In the second quarter, the Spartans controlled the pace defensively, holding Florida Southern to just five points in the period. Davis buried another three, and Alanis Diaz added a smooth layup as Tampa stretched the lead to 22–13. Franklin powered through traffic for three straight late buckets, helping the Spartans take a 28–18 advantage into halftime.

Second Half

Davis opened the third with her third three-pointer of the night, and Diaz converted an and-one to push Tampa ahead 34–24. But Florida Southern countered with timely shooting, trimming the deficit to six before Amy Thompson drilled a late three, sending Tampa into the fourth leading 41–35.

The pace tightened in the final quarter. After the Mocs tied the game at 45–45, Brooklynn Butler answered with a clutch three to reclaim the lead. Florida Southern's Lily Randgaard, however, closed the game with nine fourth‑quarter points, including the go‑ahead three with 23 seconds left. Tampa had two final chances but couldn't convert in the closing seconds.

INSIDE THE STATS

Ryan Franklin: 18 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk
Olivia Davis: 9 pts (3 threes), 2 reb, 2 ast
Giorgia Palmieri: 6 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast
Alanis Diaz: 7 pts, 3 reb
Brooklynn Butler: 3 pts, 3 ast
Faith Pickens: 4 pts, 2 reb

TEAM STATS

• Field Goal Percentage: 46% (21–46)
• Three-Point Percentage: 42% (5–12)
• Free Throws: 100% (3–3)
• Rebounds: 29
• Assists: 15
• Points in the Paint: 26
• Bench Points: 7

UP NEXT

Holding the No. 9 spot in the recent NCAA South Region rankings, Tampa will most likely conclude its season following the SSC Quarterfinals. Please visit TampaSpartans.com or follow @UTampaWBB for up-to-date information on Tampa women's basketball.