Andy MengAfter getting off to a slow start, the University of Tampa women’s basketball team has been one of the best teams in the Sunshine State Conference over the last month.
The Spartans (14-6, 6-3 in the SSC) have won their last four games. Forward Alexa Kane has been a big part of the team’s current success.
Kane started in just two games last season, but this season she has started all 20 games, averaging 10.7 points per game.
“Before the season, I talked to my coach, and we made goals for this year,” said Kane. “Last year I didn’t look to shoot much, but this year I really made an effort to get more involved in the offense. Getting more playing time has also helped.”
Kane has had a lot of help around her as six different Spartans have led the team in scoring in 20 games.
Kane thinks the Spartans’ depth is one of the main reasons Tampa has a chance to go deep into the playoffs.
“I think this year we are a little more balanced. Any one of the five starters could lead the team in scoring any night. We may not have more talent than last season, but I think our bench makes us a bigger threat,” said Kane.
Tampa struggled early in the season because of their inability to get the ball inside and their failure to shoot a high percentage from the 3-point line. It was Kane’s ability to drive to the basket and get easy baskets that helped UT’s offense get back on track.
“We were stagnant on offense to start the year, but eventually we got more intense in practice and started pushing each other to work harder,” said Kane. “We all wanted to have a winning season, and we knew if we wanted to contend we had to change something. Getting Sheena Walton back also helped. She has played unbelievable.”
After starting the season 3-3, the Spartans have gone 11-3 and proved they can compete with the top teams in the conference. UT completed the season sweep of Florida Tech on Monday night, handing the Panthers their fourth loss of the season and just their second loss in the conference, both to the Spartans.
UT will face another tough test as they face Rollins on Feb. 3. Rollins is tied for first place in the conference with Florida Tech.
“It’s a big game for us. We’ve been circling it on our calendar,” Kane said. “If we can put a whole game together and play well for more than just stretches at a time, we should be successful. It was tough losing to them on our home floor earlier this season.”