The Tampa Spartans Women’s basketball team spent their winter break going 4-2, finishing the six game stretch with a huge 64-45 home victory against the 13th ranked Barry Buccaneers.
‘After losing two conference games we came back and got a big win at home over Barry,’ said head coach Tom Jessee. ‘The conference is really tough this year; no one is winning on the road.’
The Spartans have a very young team and need to learn how to play on the road.
‘Only two teams have won conference games on the road, to come out 4-2, I feel was a big plus,’ Jessee explained.’ The 4-2 winter break puts the Spartans record at 12-3 (3-2 SSC) and also gives them a number 19 national rank.
During the break the Spartans’ played home games that felt more like exhibition games. The stands were empty.
‘I look forward to getting some of the student body back into the stands,’ said Jessee.
The first of the Spartans two losses came at Eckerd on January 7. The loss snapped a nine game winning streak.
‘The loss didn’t surprise me,’ said Jessee. ‘Nothing is a surprise, especially a road conference game.’
This was a conference loss, as UT was ranked number 19 in the nation. Proving Jessee’s statement correct; Eckerd has not lost a game at home this year. Following the loss to Eckerd, the Spartans dropped a second straight game at #12 Rollins.
Playing with a national rank puts a huge target on the back of the Spartans.
‘As a young team we have to learn to play with targets on our backs,’ said Jessee.
Now, having a target on their backs, the women will have to rely on some leaders to step up and take control of the team.
‘Seniors, Kym Taylor and Hailee Sullivan have really stepped their game up,’ said Jessee. ‘We hope we can lean on them to help convince some of the youth how to prepare for road games.’
Kyle Bennett can be reached at kbennett@ut.edu
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