WINTER PARK, Fla. (January 13, 2024) - After a strong start to the game, Rollins struggled to keep up with #24 Tampa on Saturday, eventually falling to the Spartans by a score of 79-61 on Saturday. The loss moves Rollins to 9-5 with a 6-2 record in SSC play. Tampa improves to 14-4, 5-2 SSC.
Ajalon Gillard was responsible for the first eight points for the Tars, single-handedly keeping Rollins in the game early as they fell behind 8-3. Conversions from
Aaliyah Irizarry-Perez and
Maddie Dillinger would give Rollins a 12-8 lead, that would eventually turn into a 2-8 advantage at the end of one.
Rollins would extend their lead to eight in the second thanks to a three from
Emily McIntosh and a layup from Gillard, making it 26-18. Tampa would go on a run of their own, tying the game at 28 and 30. A free throw from
Claire Erickson in the final seconds of the half had Rollins up 39-36 at the break.
Tampa came out of the break on fire, knocking down three threes on their first five possessions to gain a 45-41 lead. Rollins stepped up their defense shortly after, keeping the Spartans off the board for more than three minutes of game time in the third quarter, but their offense was not clicking either, and they failed to come all the way back. After three, the score was 55-49 Tampa.
Momentum seemed to side with the Tars early in the fourth when
Erin Leigh and
Kaitlyn Sanders knocked down a pair of threes to make it a two-point game. Unfortunately, the Spartans would score the next eight points to reestablish a comfortable lead. After a bucket from Irizarry-Perez at the 6:04 mark, Rollins would not convert another field goal in the game, eventually falling 79-61.
Gillard was the leading scorer with 13 points, and also added four rebounds. Dillinger added 112 points with five boards and two assists. Audrey Ramsey led all scorers with 25 points.
Rollins will matchup with the Embry-Riddle Eagles on January 20 in Daytona. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
