The night started slowly for Head Coach Chanda Stebbins and the Santa Fe Saints, but a 28-12 advantage in the second period sparked the Saints to a 96-72 win in their highest scoring output of the season.  The Saints (2-3) opened the second period with a 12-2 run with five different players scoring.

"We feel we are a better team when we share the ball and attack the basket," said Head Coach Chanda Stebbins. "Our defense really got after it and created some situations for us to score."  Back-to-back baskets by Chardell Jones to begin the second half put the Saints on top 44-42, their first lead of the game since Janasia Law put the Saints up 2-0 to start the game.

"We have been in the position before in games when we have fought back and not been able to close the deal," said Stebbins. "Tonight we had a different mindset and were not happy just to get back into the game."  The Saints held a double-digit lead at 69-58 after three periods and quickly built it to 20 with four minutes to play.

The Saints shot 49% from the floor as a team and made 17 of 20 free throws (.850). SF won the battle on the boards with 41 rebounds to 33 for St. Pete (2-2) and committed just 12 turnovers to 26 for the visitors.  "We made free throws a point of emphasis this week in practice, so I am happy to see it pay off," said Stebbins. "We forced a lot of turnovers on defense and outrebounded a much bigger team than us."

Jones led four Saints in double figures with 23 points while Law scored 21, Danasia Bogle 15 and Keaubree Edwards 10.

The Saints next home game will be Friday when they host Eastern Florida State College for a game scheduled to tip off at 6:00 pm.

For all SF Athletics schedules, stats and more visit santafesaints.com.