In what ended up being a strange finish, the Santa Fe Saints scored 110 points on opening night to defeat IMG Academy by 20 in front of a large crowd on Dunkoween. IMG started the game with just six players, and after four fouled out and one was injured, the officials were forced to end the game when there was just one player left for the Ascenders. The 110 points ties the most ever scored by Santa Fe at home, matching the total from November 18, 1980.
Sonya Franklin had a career night, scoring 30 points on 12-for-20 shooting, including 3-for-4 from the three point line. As a team the Saints made 15 three pointers in 31 attempts. On the other side Arella Guirantes lit up the scoreboard for 55 points
Playing under the new format of four quarters, the Saints lead 22-18 and at halftime took a one point lead, 51-50, into the locker room.
SF (1-0) expanded their lead as the fourth quarter began and continued to build as the Ascenders lost players to foul outs. At the 2:27 mark the game was called.
Ari Emanuel-Wright started her collegiate career in a big way, pouring in 25 points, Rayven Wade had 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Corey Staples had 14 points and six rebounds.
The Saints will continue in the Tip-off Classic on Saturday, October 31 at 4 p.m. against national powerhouse Gulf Coast State College.