NW FLORIDA DEFEATS SAINTS, 84-74

December 7, 2009

For Immediate Release December 5, 2009 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SFC MEN'S BASKETBALL

NW FLORIDA DEFEATS SAINTS, 84-74

Marianna, FL – For the second game in a row, the Santa Fe Saints (7-4) played a nationally ranked opponent, this time facing Northwest Florida State College (10-1), the NJCAA #19 team in the nation.

NWF jumped on the Saints early, building a double digit lead five minutes into the game. Santa Fe settled in a slowed the Raiders down slightly, but still trailed at the half 39-24.

"We got off to a slow start again like we did last night against Tallahassee," said Coach Chris Mowry. "That's two nights in a row we haven't shot well in the early going and against tough competition you can't afford to get behind by double digits so early in the game."

The Saints played better in the second half, outscoring NWF 50-45. It wasn't enough however as the Raiders held on down the stretch, making free throws to secure the game in the final minutes after SF had cut the lead seven.

"We played a lot harder in the second half and did a better job making open shots," said Mowry.

Marlon Rivera led SF in scoring with 17 points, Chuck Ford had 15 and Chad Renfro had nine, all on three point shots.

The Saints will compete in the JUCO Shootout at Santa Fe this weekend. The top teams from throughout the state of Florida will travel to Gainesville and Ocala to take part in the two day tournament on December 12 and 13. Santa Fe faces off against Pasco-Hernando CC on Saturday at 3:00pm and Tallahassee on Sunday at 5:00pm

For more information and a complete schedule, please visit santafesaints.com. Join the Santa Fe College Athletics Facebook Fanpage for game photos, up to date info and more.

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