The University of Tampa women’s basketball team got the revenge they strived for last week on Wednesday, Dec. 1.
The squad faced Valdosta State University again in UT’s second home game of the season.
Valdosta State defeated Tampa On Nov. 20 by a one-point margin after a rough 40 minutes. Afterwards, the Spartans were certainly seeking vengeance.
For the first half of the game, UT portrayed impressive offense. In particular, freshman Lindsey Watson set a new school record for most points in a half with 24.
Even after Tampa shot 75 percent in both three pointers and free throws, VSU managed to go on a 6-0 run at the end of the half to take a six point lead. The scoreboard read 40-34 with Valdosta on top at the half.
The Spartans exited the locker room with one thing on their minds – a win. Holding Valdosta State to only 23 points in the second half, UT was able to tally another 33 points of their own.
While the women only shot 32 percent from the field, they made up for it in free throws, getting to the line 18 times and hitting 15 of those attempts.
Watson left the game with yet another record. She scored a total of 34 points, securing the spot for second highest single game scoring record in UT history. Additionally, freshman Greta Bartkute registered a team-high seven rebounds.
More team-highs were recorded as both Catriana Messina and Gianna Messina gathered a total of five steals during the game, contributing to the strong defensive effort.
Three days later, the team traveled to Miami Shores to face Barry University in Tampa’s first Sunshine State Conference matchup of the season.
Looking to make a strong statement to the other SSC members, Tampa took their positions on the court.
During the first half, the Spartans showed their power as they went on both a 12-0 run and an 11-0 run at different times. Barry did not give up, though, as it fought back to cut Tampa’s lead to only four. The score was 30-26 at the halftime buzzer.
UT came out in the second half clearly showing dominance over their opponent as they shot 75 percent from field goal range as well as 75 percent from the charity stripe. The Spartans scored a total of 41 more points while holding Barry to only 31.
The final score of the game was 71-57, and the Spartans collected their first conference win of the young season.
Gianna Messina had her first double-double of the year, recording 21 points and 11 rebounds. Also supplying aid to the offense was Taja Green, who registered 20 points while Watson added 16 points of her own. Catriana
Messina led the team with six assists.
Tampa’s women’s basketball team will be sacrificing most of its winter break as it is scheduled to play eight games during that time, half of them being crucial SSC battles. UT’s next endeavor will be Dec. 18 and 19 at the Florida Southern Tournament in Lakeland, where it will be facing Saint Augustine’s College as well as the University of Indianapolis.
Maya Todd can be reached at mtodd@spartans.ut.edu.