Saints Run Past Daytona, 71-64; Zaveckaite Sets Single Season Rebounding Record

February 13, 2013

SF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL - 2/13/2013

Gainesville, FL – Paulina Zaveckaite needed eight rebounds Wednesday night to break the 31 year old record for most rebounds in a single season in Santa Fe College women's basketball history and by half time she had 14 in route to 27 for the game.  She now sits at 451 for the season.

"I was so impressed with Paulina's effort tonight," said SF Coach Chanda Stebbins.  "Obviously it translated into another big rebounding night and a new record.  I'm very proud to have had the opportunity to coach such a naturally talented rebounder."

The Saints used Zaveckaite's record breaking game as well as big second half efforts from Monique Bunk and Tiara Thompson to pull away from the Falcons for a key Mid-Florida Conference win. The victory moves SF to 17-11 overall and 5-5 in MFC play with two games to go.  They are currently in third place, a half game behind Hillsborough CC (14-9, 5-4 MFC).

Both teams started slow in the first half and the Saints struggled to find their scoring touch, shooting just 9-for-40 in the opening frame, including 0-for-9 from the three point line.  A layup at the buzzer gave Daytona the momentum and a 27-21 lead after the first 20 minutes.

Sophomore guards Tiara Thompson and Monique Bunk took over in the second half, combining for 29 points after having just seven between them in the first.

Santa Fe scratched away at the lead and at the 5:42 mark Bunk hit a layup to put SF out front 50-49, their first lead since 6:09 was left in the first half.

The Saints outscored the Falcons 15-3 over the next two and a half minutes and took their largest lead of the game 64-52 with 2:57 remaining.  Daytona kept things interesting, cutting the lead to three at 67-64 with 27 seconds left.  Thompson was fouled on the ensuing possession and made both free throws to make it a two possession game.  Bunk sealed the win with two more free throws for the seven point final margin.

Santa Fe took seven less shots in the second half, but made seven more than they did in the first period.  They outrebounded the Falcons 59-45 and forced 27 turnovers

"We took another step forward today," said Stebbins.  "We have to focus on getting better each and every possession and we have to make the best out of opportunity we have."

Zaveckaite pitched in 14 points to go along with her 27 rebounds, Monique Bunk finished with a team high 19 points and nine assists, Tiara Thompson had 17 points and Tay Couch finished with 11.

"I thought Mo did a great job tonight of distributing the ball," said Stebbins.  "She just has a very good sense for those around her."

The Saints host the College of Central Florida on Saturday, February 16 at 2:00 PM.  A win would clinch a spot for SF in the FCSAA State Tournament in March.

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Basketball, please visit santafesaints.com.  To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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