Gainesville, FL- Leyah Houston poured out 22 points and dominated on the boards as the Santa Fe women's basketball team led from start to finish in a 78-61 win over the St. Petersburg Titans Saturday afternoon.  Shakiria Chaney added 15 points, with all 15 points coming in the first half.  Samari Wilson added 14 points and Joey Delancey (11 points) also scoring in double figures for the Saints.  The St. Petersburg Titans drop to 2-8 on the season.

How It Happened

Shakiria Chaney hit 9 points including a triple from behind the arc to help the Saints score early and often jumping out to a 16-8 lead over the Titans.  The Titans soon were able to get their footing and quickly ralleyed back within 4 points by the end of the first period (19-15, Saints).  

In the second period it was Gainesville native Leyah Houston who led the way by scoring 8 points along with controlling the boards for the Saints.  Chaney hit a 2 point field goal putting the Saints up 39-26 as the first half came to a close.  The Titans shooting woes continued from the perimeter and only managed to score 11 points, while the Saints scored 20 points to close the period.

At the start of the third period the Saints started out strong with a 4-0 run off of a steal forcing the Titans to take a time out.  This action was shortly followed by triple by Joey Delancy.  Both Joey Delancy and Samari Wilson hit a pair of triples in the third period.  With 3:21 remaining in the period the Saints had gone on a 12-8 run making the score 58-34.

In the last period the lead continued to mount for the Saints.  By the 6:00 mark in the final period the Saints were up by 20 points.  They were able to hold on to the lead to win the game with a final score of 78-61.

Quote From Coach Jackson

I'm happy with the way in which we played for the better part of today's game.  We are beginning to trust each other more than our individual abilities.  Hopefully, we will be able to clean a few things up and stay on track once we get back from the holiday break."