TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa women’s basketball team secured a big lead and held off a late Nova Southeastern University surge for its sixth consecutive victory.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
Final Score: Tampa Spartans 66, Nova Southeastern Sharks 59
Records: University of Tampa (20-6, 14-4 SSC), Nova Southeastern University (16-10, 12-7 SSC)
Location: Bob Martinez Athletics Center || Tampa, Fla. 
All-Time Series: The Spartans now own a 28-16 advantage in the all-time series as the regular-season series ends with a split with each team winning on its own floor. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Quarter | Both teams struggled out of the gates, with the Spartans shooting just 20 percent from the field in the first 10 minutes. Nova Southeastern held a 12-9 lead after the first quarter, as the Sharks shot 23.1 percent from the floor. UT also committed six turnovers in the first quarter while the Sharks had none.

2nd Quarter | Tampa found its shooting touch as it would proceed to outscore Nova Southeastern 21-5 in the quarter to take a 30-17 lead to halftime. UT connected on 8-for-14 from the field, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range. The Spartan defense held Nova to just 2-for-15 shooting.

3rd Quarter | UT shot at a 60 percent clip, though it was outrebounded 12-7 in the third period. The Spartans would extend their advantage to 18 points as it led 50-32 heading to the final quarter.

4th Quarter | Nova Southeastern continued to fight, cutting the UT margin to just five points with under a minute to play. Dori Nagy would make it a seven-point margin with a layup, followed by a pair of Emily Eshoo free throws to seal the victory. The pressure from the Sharks would cause eight UT turnovers in the period.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Staja Tyghter and Nagy led the way for the Spartans, each scoring 20 points.
• Both would also have double-doubles as Nagy grabbed 13 boards while Tyghter had 11.
• Nagy also registered a team-leading six assists.
• Lauren Kotey had a pair of blocked shots off the bench.

BEYOND THE BOX:

• This marks the sixth straight win for the Spartans, who are in sole possession of second place in the SSC.
• Tyghter now has 11 double-doubles this season while Nagy has nine.

UP NEXT: Tampa hosts Eckerd College in its final regular season home game on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

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