January 10, 2018

Daytona, FL – In a game that saw two fouls called in the last three seconds of a one point game the FCSAA #9 Santa Fe Saints came out on top over #8 Daytona State, making two free throws with 0.3 seconds left to win their eighth game in a row.  The victory moves SF to 14-5 overall and 2-0 in the Mid-Florida Conference.  The winning streak is now over a month and dates back to December 9.  The Saints last loss came on December 2.

Things didn't click for the Santa Fe offense in the first half as they scored just 31 points and trailed by five at the break.  SF actually made 48% of their shots, but took just 25 over the first 20 minutes.

They upped the offensive intensity in the second half and made 16-of-34 shots and 9-of-14 free throws.  Those free throws would prove to be important down the stretch.

Santa Fe led by one point with 6.3 seconds remaining but missed the front end of a one-and-one giving the Falcons and opportunity to win the game.

Daytona drove down the left side of the paint and a blocking foul was called on the Saints, putting DSC on the foul line with three seconds left.  They made both free throws and led 75-74.

Needing to go the length of the floor, Santa Fe threw an inbound pass to half court to Ivan Smith.  Smith gathered the ball through some contact, and a foul was called shortly after with 0.3 seconds left, putting him on the line with a chance to win the game.

Smith stepped up and coolly knocked down both shots for a 76-75 SF advantage

Time expired on the inbounds pass and the Saints walked away with a big conference win.

Darrell Jones led the winning effort with 19 points, Alsean Evans finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, Ivan Smith had 11 points, and Malik Morrow 10.

The Saints will be off until next Wednesday, January 17 when they host the College of Central Florida at 8:00 p.m. on Student Appreciation Night at the Santa Fe Gym.

For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com. 

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