CLAY, BAEZ HELP THE SAINTS OUTLAST STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, 62-56

January 7, 2010

For Immediate Release

January 6, 2010 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF MEN’S BASKETBALL

CLAY, BAEZ HELP SAINTS OUTLAST STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, 62-56

Bradenton, FL – Chris Baez was held scoreless in the first half but scored 17 points in the second period to help lift the Santa Fe Saints (10-7) to their tenth victory overall and second over the State College of Florida Manatees (10-3) this season.

The Saints controlled the game early and led 28-21 with five minutes to go before the Manatees went on a 12-1 run to take a 33-29 lead into the halftime break.  Starting point guard Marlon Rivera left the half early with a sore hamstring and backup Chris Clay (pictured) was forced into action for the remainder of the game.

“Chris [Clay] did a great job handling the pressure of getting thrown into the game like that,” said Mowry.  “He scored four big points in the second half and really did a nice job controlling the tempo for us.”

SF turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding SCF to only 23 points over the final 20 minutes to earn the victory.

“This was a real team win tonight,” said Mowry.  “Everyone contributed and I’m really proud of all of our player’s effort.  We fought hard, battled and made our free throws down the stretch to hold on and get a big win.”

Baez led SF with 17 points, Chad Renfro scored 13 and Iran Hollis had 10, all in the first half.  The Saints were 15-for-20 from the free throw line.

The Saints return home for a game on Friday against IMG Academy at 6:00pm.  The two teams met earlier in the season with SF coming out on top 68-39.

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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