Saints Overcome Adversity Against Bobcats
After withstanding a strong performance by the Bobcats, the Saints manage to mount a second half comeback with key rebounds and free throws by Renois down the stretch.
New Port Richey, FL- The Saints (Div I) are 1-0 coming into this game against the Pasco Hernando State College Bobcats. This is the first meeting between these two teams since 2021. This is also the home opener for the Bobcats (Div II) for the 2023-24 season. They enter this game with an 0-2 record.
The Bobcats jumped out 21-10 over the Saints, lead by freshmen Maxam, Crescenzo, and Rhome. At the media time out (6:00 mark) the Saints were down by 9 points. Renois, Lovette, and Boyles made key baskets cutting the deficit to 2 for the Saints with only 4:30 left in the first half. At the buzzer, Pazmino made a big 3 pointer, assisted by Renois, which shifted the momentum in the Saints favor.
In the second half, the Saints got off to a slow start unable to score until Becker came up with a big dunk at the 15:32 mark, assisted by Boles. The Bobcats managed to continue to thwart the Saints efforts at a comeback, maintaining a 5 point lead with their aggressive defensive play. Following a media timeout, Panisic and Branch hit 3 pointers while Lovette made a layup to give the Saints their largest lead of the game (5 points) at the 11:13 mark.
At this point the energy of the game picked up. Both teams went back and forth exchanging baskets and free throws until Trowe made two key free throws to take a 60-59 lead (7:49 mark). In the waning seconds of the game, Renois grabbed 2 key defensive rebounds and shot 3 of 4 from the free throw line, helping the Saints to seal the deal against the Bobcats.
Coach Mowry Thoughts on Game
"Hard fought win for us tonight, PHSC really played well. Our defense was much better in the second half. Offensively, we struggled to make shots at the rim, and from the 3 point line. We found a way to get stops down the stretch and made some timely free throws. We will work each day to get better." – Coach Mowry.
Noteables (Saints)
- Leading scorers
- Renois 15 pts and 2 steals
- Panisic 12 pts
- Lovette 11pts
- Leading rebounders
- Pazmino 7 boards and 3 steals
- Lovette 5 boards
- Boles 4 offensive boards
- 10 pt scoring run (pushed lead to 5) 11:13 mark
- 20 bench points
- 10-12 free throws