The University of Tampa women’s basketball team continues to leave its mark on the UT record books.
Tiara Cook became the fourth player in women’s basketball history to reach 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 100 blocks in a career against SSC rival Barry University.
Cook entered the game needing only 15 points to accomplish the goal.
She accomplished the mark with a free throw in the first half of the game.
Collectively, she is the 15th Spartan to reach 1,000 points.
“Her record speaks for itself,” Tampa head coach Tom Jessee said. “She has done a really, really incredible job. I think when she came in as a high school player, most people would have said she wouldn’t be a 1,000 point scorer. I thought she could be.”
Cook entered her senior season needing 414 points to reach the milestone.
In the 2010 season Cook has eclipsed 20 points in a game nine times, including a 30-point performance against Merrimack, her best of the season.
“It’s a great feat to accomplish, but now it’s behind me and it’s time to refocus on this team’s goals,” said Cook
She joins Sheena Walton, Jessie McDowell and Crystal Ashley as the only players to ever reach 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 100 blocks in a career.
“That’s amazing to me. It’s an honor for me to be in their company as they paved the way for me,” Cook said.
Jessee believes Cook has left everything on the floor for the Spartans.
“She’s a great character kid and I think we’ve got every ounce of potential out of her,” said Jessee.
“We got what she had to give us from day one.”
Behind Cook’s record-breaking performance the Spartans are now 23-3 (13-2 SSC) [as of Feb. 23].
Tampa completed the regular season on Feb. 24 against SSC rival Florida Southern.
The Spartans will open the SSC Tournament Quarterfinals on March 3.
The semifinals and finals will then be played on March 6 and 7 at Nova Southeastern.
UT will then compete in the NCAA South Regional Tournament on March 12-15.
The elite-eight will be on March 23-26 in St. Joseph’s, Mo.
Tampa is looking to reach its eighth overall, and fifth straight, NCAA Tournament apperance.
Kyle Bennett can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com.