Spartans Stubble In Valdosta

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 25 University of Tampa women's basketball team fell by a one point margin 43-44 to Valdosta State at The Complex in Valdosta, Ga. Saturday night. The Blazers improve its record to 2-1 as the Spartans drop 1-1.

During the first period Valdosta State's Shakeda Richie hit a quick three to put the Blazers up in the opening minutes of the game but the Spartans would be able to re-gain the lead and keep it after the 14 minute mark. Tampa was able to control the half as the team lead by as many as seven. UT was able to capitalize in the paint as the team ended the period with 12 points around the basket compared to VSU's six. A big contributor to the post basket's was senior Taja Green hitting 3-4 from the field in the first half tallying seven points in the first 20 minutes. The Spartans went into the locker room with a five point lead as Valdosta trailed 16-21.

In the second stanza both teams came out shooting poorly as each squad shot under 35 percent from the field. The contest would soon turn into a free throw battle as Tampa would be able to capitalize on 13 of its 19 attempts. With just over eight minutes to go in the half, VSU would go on a 10-0 run and take the advantage with five minutes remaining. With the lead changing three times, UT would not be able to convert on a last minute attempt as time would expire and the unit would fall short by one point.

Green led all Spartans in scoring with 11 as Gianna Messina and Catriana Messina followed with eight a piece. Messina was just shy of a double-double retaining a team-best 12 rebounds and two assists. Both teams took care of the ball as VSU registered seven turnovers to Tampa's nine. Valdosta out shot its opponents by a 10 percent margin as UT would finish the contest shooting 64 percent from the free throw line to the Blazer's 47 percent clip.

The team returns to action Friday Nov., 26th to face Colorado Mines at 5 p.m. in the Colorado Mines Tournament held in Denver, Colo.

Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com

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