Gainesville, FL- On Monday, Santa Fe faced the #23 team in the nation Indian River State College (NJCAA).  This is the second time these teams faced each other this season.  In the first meeting, the Pioneers defeated the Saints 108-83.  Leading for almost the entire first half, the Saints were determined to not let history repeat itself.  In the second half, the Pioneers were able to stifle the Saints offense and outscore them by ten points.  This would be the difference in the game as the Pioneers take the win 83-74.

How It Happened

Karmello Branch was the leading scorer for the Saints in his first career start with 21 points.  At the start of the game he scored five of the first seven points for the Saints, including one triple.  Ashton Lovette scored an and one layup while being fouled to the ground.  He made the free-throw completing the three-point play and put the Saints up 10-7.  On a back door cut to the basket, Pedrag Panisic assisted Lovette for a two point lay-in.  Connor Morris came off the bench to help give the Saints a lift.  He made a triple from the corner assisted by Tre Munson putting the Saints up 29-20. 

The Saints went up by their largest margin after Lovette made a highly contest layup (33-22).  Panisic made a big block on a three-point attempt by the Pioneers.  Branch also made a big play when he dunked with authority in transition.  The Pioneers regained momentum by pounding the offensive glass and getting second chance shots.  At the end of the first half, they cut the lead down significantly (41-40, Saints).

In the second half, the Pioneers picked back up where they left off by out rebounding the Saints on the offensive glass and began shooting more efficiently.  JayShayne Woodard was the key reason for the Pioneers' success.  He led all scorers with 35 points.  Joshua Watkins and Connor Morris each hit a triple in the second half to help mount a Saints comeback.  Branch and Lovette continued to shine as well.  Lovette received another and one basket.  Karmello went coast to coast to score.  Tre Munson also made a couple of timely baskets as well.  

After attempting to pressure the Pioneers full court, the Pioneers broke the Saints pressure with a big two-handed dunk helping to seal the victory.  The Saints lose their final game of the season with a score 74-83.

Comments From Coach Mowry   

"I'm happy with our effort tonight against Indian River.  They are an outstanding team with great size and length and offensive ability.  We played a super first half offensively and kept them off balance with our 2-3 zone.  They really hurt us with their offensive rebounding both halves and Woodard was unstoppable.  We had great contributions from Karmello in his first career start, as well as Ashton and Predrag.  Connor gave us a nice boost off the bench."