TAMPA, Fla. – The Anderson women's basketball team could not shake its sluggish opening first quarter falling, 72-53, to nonconference opponent and host University of Tampa in the final matchup of the Tampa Classic.
With the loss, Anderson falls to 4-2 on the season, while the Spartans move to 5-1 overall.
The Trojans placed one player in double-figures with sophomore Madison Baggett scoring a team-high 12 points. Baggett also dished out six assists while grabbing five rebounds for the Black and Gold.
Capping off the scoring for the Trojans was senior Kaylee Koerperich (9), sophomore Alexy Mollenhauer (8), forward Alexis Dillard and junior Ace Easter (6). Dillard also grabbed four rebounds in limited action, due to foul trouble. Junior Erika Martin and sophomore Cassie Ketchum (4) with Martin ripping down six rebounds off the bench. Freshman Taylor Hair (2) also grabbed five rebounds while senior Jasmine Raynor and sophomore Hannah Hodges (1) finished out the scoring for AU.
The Spartans placed three players in double-figures with Karma Jeremie's game-high 21 points. Staja Tyghter poured in 17 points while grabbing 14 rebounds with Emily Eshoo narrowly missed a double-double chipping in 10 points and pulling in nine rebounds.
University of Tampa led wire-to-wire taking advantage of a 15-0 run in the opening quarter. Anderson outscored the Spartans in the second period, 15-12, but Tampa responded with a 19-8 advantage in the third stanza.
The Spartans enjoyed their largest lead of the game, 65-38, at the 5:46 mark in the fourth period. The Trojans continued to fight, but could not recover from the deficit.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "We faced another great team today and unfortunately we didn't hit the shots we needed to hit. Again, I am proud of our effort and the experience we get to leave here with."
Anderson travels to Peach Belt Conference opponent Young Harris on Tuesday. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
