Box Score LAKELAND, FL - A slow start on offense proved to be too much to overcome as Florida Southern College women's basketball dropped a 64-57 decision to Sunshine State Conference rival Tampa on Friday at Jenkins Field House.
The No. 20 Moccasins (8-4, 4-1 SSC) scored just eight points in the first quarter as the Spartans (8-3, 3-1) grabbed an early double-digit lead en route to the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Florida Southern found itself down by 12 points (20-8) after the first quarter after shooting just 21.4 percent (3-of-14) over the first 10 minutes of play. The Mocs trailed by as many as 17 points (20-3) with just under a minute to go in the opening period.
• The Moccasins shot marginally better in the second quarter, connecting on 33.3 percent (5-of-15) from the floor. Florida Southern scored 16 points in the second quarter to pull within 15 points at the half (39-24).
• Florida Southern would chip away at Tampa's lead, trimming the deficit to just 10 points (48-38) at the end of the third quarter. The Moccasins went 6-of-13 from the field in the third quarter, and held the Spartans to just 33.3 percent from the floor.
• The Mocs mounted a late rally in the fourth, pulling within six points in the final minute of play, but the Spartans were able to hang on for the win.
• The Moccasins shot just 37.9 percent on the night, while Tampa finished at 47.7 percent. FSC finished with a narrow33-29 edge in rebounds.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
• Florida Southern fell to 59-35 all-time against Tampa. The Mocs also fell to 409-148 all-time at home, including 30-7 under head coach Betsy Harris.
• Giardina was the only Moccasin to score in double figures with 17 points. She finished 5-of-13 from the floor, including 3-of-9 from long range and 4-of-6 at the free-throw line. Giulia Simioni dished out a game-high seven assists, and Gianna Vastola pulled down a team-best seven rebounds.
• The teams each finished with 16 points in the paint. Tampa had a 10-8 edge in points off turnovers and advantage in fast-break points. Florida Southern outscored the Spartans 11-3 in second-chance points.
UP NEXT
• The Moccasins play back-to-back conference games at Lynn (Jan. 4) and Nova Southeastern (Jan. 7). Florida Southern returns home on Jan. 11 against Florida Tech.
