Wickham Leads Spartans In Home Opener

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's basketball team (1-0) defeated Warner University (0-3) in an 81-50 decision giving the Spartans the season opening victory. The contest which was played Monday night at the Bob Martinez Sports Center was led by Junior Sarah Wickham scoring a career high 20 points.

In the first stanza UT got out to a quick start by a Taja Green layup followed by a Wickham trey. The Spartans enjoyed as much as a 16 point lead before the Royals rallied off three 3-point shots to cut the advantage leaving the score at 36-24. After capitalizing off of two free throw shots by Gianna Messina, Tampa went into the locker room with a 38-27 advantage.

In the second half the Spartans would come out shooting an impressive 53.3 field goal percentage hitting 16 of 30 from behind the arc. Warner would never re-gain the lead as Tampa would pull its advantage to as much as 34.

Shooting an impressive 6-7 from behind the arc, junior Sarah Wickham finished the game with a team-high 20 points as senior Taja Green followed with 14 respectively. Rounding out the double figure scorers were Lindsey Watson and Monique Johnson with 13 as Jalessa Harmon added to the scoreboard with 10. Gianna Messina ended the opener with a team-high six assists and six rebounds.
The Spartans return to action on Saturday at 7 p.m. as they travel to face regional foe, Valdosta State. Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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