Gainesville, FL- On Saturday, the Saints (8-16) were at home hosting Hillsborough Community College (16-8).  The Saints led much of the game and were finally able to add to their double-digit lead in the second half and eventually secure the win.  The Saints were led offensively by Karmello Branch (16 points), Ashton Lovette (16 points), and Macius Trowe (15 points).  Caleb Mackrey led scoring for Hawks with 19 points.

How It Happened

Hillsborough CC started out ahead after hitting two quick baskets (4-0).  Santa Fe then would come roaring back with a 12-0 run sparked by a three-pointer from Ashton Lovette. 

With just under 7:00 left in the first half, the Hawks would tie the score at 20-20 after a tough inside basket by Caleb MacKrey.  After receiving the ball in the paint Macius Trowe backed down his defender and scored a tough basket to put the Saints back in front once again.  Macius Trowe led the Saints offense in the first half as he scored 12 points.  Karmelo Branch hit a triple at the end of the first half giving the Saints a six-point lead (33-27).

The Hawks struck first in the second half with a three pointer at thee shot clock buzzer in an early possession.  The Saints quickly responded with a three-pointer by Predrag Panisic (36-32). Karmelo Branch scored a tough reverse layup with just under 15:00 left in the game.  On the next play he received an outlet pass down the court from Ashton Lovette and was able to to dunk the ball over a Hawks defender scoring the basket and getting the foul.  He completed the three-point play by hitting the following free-throw further extending the Saints lead.  A minute later he would hit a three-pointer to give the Saints a ten-point lead.     

The Saints would increase their lead by nineteen points after a three-pointer from Kevin Pazmino.  The Saints would eventually hold on to the lead and win the game.  The final score was 74-57.  

Quote From Coach Mowry

Very happy for our players today!  It's been a tough stretch of games without a win and our guys have continued to work hard and compete every day.  We rebounded the ball well on both ends and did a great job at the free throw line.  HCC got worn down in the second half and we were able to get some easy baskets in transition.  Macius did a super job scoring inside.  Ashton Lovette and Karmello had some big baskets for us in both halves with Tre, Kevin, and Predrag chipping in as well.  We head to Polk State on Wednesday for another tough game.

Up Next

The Saints will be on the road against Polk State College on February 21st @ 7PM EST.