St. Petersburg, FL.- On Saturday, the Saints lost in a double overtime thriller (84-78) against conference opponent St. Petersburg College in a game that saw multiple lead changes.  Macius Trowe had 17 points in the second half and OT periods. Ashton Lovette (14 points), Tre Munson (11 points) and Predrag Panisic (16 points) all contributed as well. Panisic played the entire 50 minutes. For St. Petersburg, Nickerson and Brandon Williams carried the load on offense.

The Saints are still looking to get over the hump to win its first conference game of the season.  

How It Happened

The Titans quickly moved out in front to a 6-0 start.  Kevin Pazmino helped the Saints to get on the scoreboard by sinking three free-throws after being fouled on a three point attempt. Predrag Panisic hit 1-2 free throws followed by a two point basket to tie the game at 6-6.  Kevin Pazmino made four triples (18 points) while Tre Munson (11 points) added another triple in the first half.  

The Saints took their first lead at 19-18 near the 9 minute mark.  The lead grew to as much as 37-30 in the first half after another triple from Kevin Pazmino.

Early in the second half, the Saints continued to increase their lead to as much as 49-36.  After a timeout taken by the Titans, they returned with an emphasis on attacking the basket and increasing defensive pressure on the Saints' offense.  This new strategy helped them to quickly cut the lead down to 52-49 with only 7:00 minutes left in the game.  

After several lead changes the game was tied at the end of regulation 59-59.  A three point play by Tre Munson helped to send the game in to double overtime.  

In double overtime Tre Munson helped the Saints to get on the board first with a two point basket while getting fouled at the rim.  In the end, the Titans made more shots from the floor as well as free-throws down stretch.  With time running out Predrag Panisic scored a triple to put the score at 78-82 with 31 seconds remaining.  The Titans were able able to hold off the Saints and escape with another conference win. 

Comments From Coach Mowry

"St. Pete fought back in the second half with a suffocating man to man defense, featuring several blocked shots on drives to the basket by the Saints. There were multiple lead changes in the second half and the score was close throughout the final 20 minutes. With the score tied and St. Pete holding the ball for the last shot, SF came up with a big stop to send the game to overtime. It was another nail biter in the first OT and the Saints had to get another stop on the last possession by St. Pete to go to a second OT. Tre Munson scored off the top to give SF a two point lead, but the Saints were unable to do much after that and St. Pete pulled ahead for the win."

Up Next

The Saints will face Miami Dade on Wednesday January 31 at home.  Tip off is at 7PM EST.