Pensacola, FL

Santa Fe falls on the NJCAA opening day and the debut of John Ritzdorf 80-64 versus Pensacola State College. The Saints had a tough first half turning the basketball over 16 times and getting outscored 46-22. However, SF bounced back in the second half outscoring the Pirates 42-34. 

Santa Fe was led by Karmello Branch with 23 points, Branch was 8 of 17 from the field. Mike Drayton was an offensive bright spot off the bench with 10 points in the loss. Willie Thompson III led the Saints on the boards with seven rebounds, two coming from the offensive glass. The Saints shot 50% from the field and 37% from three; however, SF shot 15 fewer times on the night. 

The Saints are back at it tomorrow afternoon against Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at 1:00 PM ET.