Lake City, FL- Tonight's matchup was set to be a good one from the start.  The Saints were looking to get back on track after a sizzling start to the 2023-24 season, going 4-0, but soon cooled off after going 1-5 over the next six games.  It was the Timberwolves who gave the Saints their first loss of the season in Gainesville on Novmember 16th.  To beat the Timberwolves, the Saints would need play with the same type of gutsy performance and grit they've displayed earlier this season.  On the other hand, the Timberwolves entered the contest at 8-3 on the season, boasting a high-scoring offensive attack (avg. 91 points/game).  They have won 3 of their last 4 (games).

At the start of first half, the Timberwolves were on the attack.  #1 Antewan Webber who averages 21 points per game, slashed into the lane to score the first basket of the game.  #2 Jonathan Renois responded by doing the same at the other end of the floor.  #5 Joshua Watkins came off the bench to hit a triple at the 10:55 mark, putting the Saints back up by 1.  #25 Ashton Lovette led the way offensively for the Saints in the first half, by scoring 14 out of his 16 points, collecting 2 triples along the way.  After trading a series of baskets (including a couple of and 1 baskets), the Timberwolves were able to gain control of the lead, despite a solid defensive effot from the Saints that held the Timberwolves well below their scoring average.  After getting behind, the Saints fought back to end the half at 29-32 in favor of the Timberwolves.

The shooting woes continued for the Timberwolves in the opening of  the second half.  This allowed the Saints to go on a 4 point run and extend their lead to as much as 6 points at the 14:30 mark.  Chris Heard hit a couple of key interior baskets assisted by Renois to put lead up to 8 points.  Antewon Webber continued to lead the offense for the  Timberwolves, who scored 15 points in the second half, including a reverse layup to bring the Timberwolves back within 2 points.  With under 4 minutes to go, the Timberwolves took a 1 point lead.  The Saints leading scorer, Macius Trowe fouled out after receiving a technical foul, which allowed the Timberwolves to go up by 3 points after making both technical foul shots.  After being fouled by # 32 Axel Holmquist on a 3 point atempt, Karmello Branch made 3 key free-throws to evern the score at 66-66 with only 1:31 left to go in the half.  A key defensive stop led to the Saints calling a timeout.  Subsequently, #22 Predrag Panisic mad a lay-up with only 48 sec left to goin the game.  A 3 point field goal by the Timberwolves, put them up by 1 point with 23 sec remaining in the game.   With almost no time remaining on the clock, Makye Boles makes a final tip in basket to give the Saints the lead and go-ahead win (70-69).  They are now 6-5 on the season and will face South Georgia State College on Tuesday November 12th at 7pm.  The Timberwolves will face South Georgia State on this Saturday Dec 9th @ 2pm.

Comments From Coach Mowry

"Great win tonight!  Our guys fought the whole game, even when things didn't go our way, we found a way to come out on top.  Karmello Branch and Chris Heard were outstanding off the bench tonight and Makye Boles made a huge play to win the game!  We have another tough road game on Tuesday at South Georgia State.  We'll get back in the gym Saturday and start to prepare".

Saints Leading Contributors

Ashton Lovette (16 points, 3 rebounds)

Jonathan Renois (15points, 5 rebounds)

Karmello Branch (12 points, 2 rebounds)