February 25, 2012 Contact: Scott Jamison 352.395.5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu
SF MEN’S BASKETBALL
SAINTS DEFEAT ST. JOHN’S 77-62, CLINCH MFC CO-CHAMPIONSHIP
Palatka, FL – The Santa Fe Saints (25-4) took care of business on Saturday afternoon against St. John’s River State College in their last regular season game, defeating the Vikings 77-62 to claim a share of the Mid-Florida Conference title and a spot in the FCSAA State Tournament.
“Really proud of the guys today,” said SF coach Chris Mowry. “We only had seven players dress and each of them had an impact on the game. Everyone contributed, played hard and did what they needed to do to get us to the state tournament.”
Matt Conway paced the Saints with 22 first half points, including five three pointers, helping SF build a 51-30 lead at the break. A 42-15 run helped erase an early 15-9 St. John’s lead and turn the tide in Santa Fe’s favor.
“We really moved the ball well in the first half,” said Mowry. “Matt did an excellent job shooting the basketball and Kevin [Harden] as well with his 12 points.”
Santa Fe controlled the action in the second period, never letting the Vikings closer than 13.
Conway and Harden both finished with 22 points apiece and Marko Djekovic had 15, nine coming in the second half. Junior McLeod scored eight and Bader Belfikeh chipped in four.
The victory clinches a Mid-Florida Conference co-championship with College of Central Florida and the MFC #2 seed at the FCSAA State Tournament. CCF defeated Florida State College-Jacksonville on Saturday to sew up the #1 seed. Central Florida took two of three from Santa Fe during the regular season, giving them the tie breaker.
The FCSAA State Tournament takes place arch 7-10 at Chipola College in Marianna, FL. The Saints’ opponent at the State Tournament will be St. Petersburg College, champions of the Suncoast Conference. The game time has yet to be determined. Complete information will be released as it becomes available.
For complete schedules and more information on Saints Basketball, please visit www.sfcollege.edu/athletics. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.
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