TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 3, 2009) - Trailing by just three points midway through the second half, the Nova Southeastern Sharks were out-scored went 19-0 in a five minute span as University of Tampa locked up a Sunshine State Conference victory in action on Saturday afternoon. No. 24 UT (10-1, 1-0) defeated Nova Southeastern (3-8, 0-2) by a 62-41 margin to win for the ninth consecutive time. The game featured the 2007 SSC tournament champions (UT) and the defending SSC regular season and tournament champions (NSU).

A tough shooting night doomed the Sharks, as NSU was able to connect on only 26.3 percent of their shots. NSU's leading scorer, Eliza Allen (Sr., Hegenheim, France) put up only four shots, connecting on two, for seven points. Defending SSC player of the year Stephanie Sarosi (Jr., Mims, Fla.) was held to only six points and four rebounds in 26 minutes of play on 3-17 shooting from the floor. Junior guard LaShawnna Edwards (Miami, Fla.) collected a team high eight rebounds in addition to six points.

Two three-pointers by Spartans guard Angela Guiu in a three minute span gave UT separation in the first half as the Spartans jumped out to an 18-8 lead. NSU would respond, closing to within 22-18 before Tampa went on a 6-0 run over the final four minutes of the half to lead 28-18 heading into the break. Sarosi sat out the final 11 minutes of the half, picking up her second foul nine minutes into play.

A three-point play by sophomore point guard Abbie Tepe (Cincinnati, OH) helped the Sharks close with three points midway through the second half. The Sharks would be held scoreless over the next six minutes of play, as Tampa went on a 19-0 run en route to the 62-41 victory.

Guard Gianna Messina led the Spartans with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Caitlyn Mitryk and Kym Taylor were also in double-figures for Tampa.

NSU returns to the court on at 5:30 pm, Wed., January 12th at Lynn University in SSC game.