BOX SCORE

TAMPA, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University women’s basketball team (13-11, 5-9 SSC) dropped a Sunshine State conference game to the University of Tampa Spartans (19-5, 11-3 SSC), 71-49, on Saturday afternoon in the Bob Martinez Sports Center.

Senior leaders Stephanie Sarosi (Mims, Fla.) and Abbie Tepe (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced the Sharks as Sarosi finished with a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Tepe, who played but all but the final minute, added 12 points and four assist.

Despite the Sharks outrebounding the Spartans, 43-40, NSU was held to 17-for-62 shooting on the night while Tampa was 28-for-57.

As they have done in most games this season, NSU scored first with a multi-basket lead as Sarosi hit a jumper to start the game. Tepe followed suit with a layup that brought the Sharks to a 4-0 lead.

Tampa’s response was a 15-2 run before the Sharks called a timeout with 15:23 left in the first half.

The two teams battle back-and-forth, but Tampa headed in the locker room with a 33-28 advantage.

NSU’s bench added 11 points in the first 20 minutes, led by freshman Richelle Carach (Naples, Fla.) who added eight.

Nova Southeastern unmatched in the second half as Tampa outscored the Sharks 38-21, as the Spartans hit nearly 60 percent of their shots.

NSU looked dominate on the offensive boards as the Sharks mustered a 17-8 advantage for the game.

Tampa’s Lindsey Watson was their go-to as she finished with a game-high 22 points. Jaleesa Harmon was the only other Spartan to finish in double-figures with 10.

The Sharks next matchup will be against Lynn on Feb. 23 in the NSU Arena at the Don Taft University Center. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m. It will also be designated as the Sharks Pink Zone game.