The women’s basketball team had much to celebrate last week and it was more than Kym Taylor’s 21st birthday on Saturday, the same day as the big game against Florida Southern.
Her team rallied together to bring her a 67-56 win. The win tied Nova Southeastern’s 9-2 SSC record keeping both teams on top the conference.
“We’re neck and neck with them [Nova Southeastern] right now,” Coach Tom Jessee said. “To beat them on their home court was huge for us.”
Road games like last Wednesday’s will be crucial for a championship.
Four of the last six games in the regular season will be away. Three of the four road games are conference matchups.
Lynn University, the last game of the regular season, remains the only team to have previously defeated the Spartan’s in the 53-54 loss last January.
“We’re playing pretty good on the road,” Jessee said. “It’s been a team that knows how to travel, knows how to prepare for the road games so we’ve been pretty good.”
The ability to play on the road isn’t all that has helped the Spartan’s excel.
Tampa has extended the bench and given all the senior veterans a chance to prove themselves. And they have.
Brittany Ridley added 13 in the revenge victory over Florida Tech.
Ridley also had three assists and grabbed a pair of rebounds.
The return of Deshaydia Mackey to health was pivotal in the last two games. Mackey hit 15 points a game.
She also snagged seven rebounds and six steals. She was awarded the SSC player of the week honor for her efforts.
“I didn’t even know I had it,” Mackey said humbly. “We’re playing great right now. We’re on a roll. That’s all you can ask for.” The Spartans have remained in good shape to face the post season. With a conference championship to defend, the seniors have come alive to make one final push for a national title.