WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team fell to the University of Tampa tonight at Rubin Arena 57-32. With the defeat, the Sailfish drop to 2-9 on the season and 0-4 in Sunshine State Conference play. The Spartans stay atop the SSC standings and remain perfect within the conference at 5-0.

The Sailfish struggled offensively against the Spartan's size in their first game of the new year and were held to their season-low in points with 32. The Sailfish hung tight with the top team in the conference through the first half before scoring only four points in the third quarter, allowing the Spartans to build their lead. PBA was held to 28 percent from the floor, 15-of-53 shooting, and was 2-of-17 from behind the arc. 

The Sailfish started the game out strong on both ends of the floor and were led by Claire Bady's five points in the first half. The 'Fish held the lead in the second quarter before the Spartans went on a late 14-1 run in the second quarter to go up eight points at the half. Chances came at a premium as Tampa's offensive worked mothodical possessions and used their size to contest PBA chances around the rim defensively.

The Spartans were led by bigs Dori Nagy and Lashayla Wright-Ponder who combined for 28 points and were able to connect on passes inside to one another throughout the game to break down the Sailfish zone defense. Tampa was able to shoot 48 percent from the floor for the game and was able to turn 14 Sailfish turnovers into 20 points. No PBA player was able to reach double-figures as Claire Bady led the way with seven points and Ciara Cumbie added six. Leading scorers Avree Carpenter and Sia Williams combined for only six points on 2-of-19 shooting from the field.

The Sailfish will look to bounce back in conference play as they travel to face Saint Leo on Saturday. The Lions have a 5-7 record on the season and are 1-3 in conference play.