Guards lead the way for Santa Fe, defeat IMG 72-47

The past two games have not fared well for the Santa Fe Saints men’s basketball team, as they have given up first half leads that led to a couple of losses. The Saints were able to flip the script last night as they beat IMG Academy in a 72-47 blowout.

The Saints now move to 5-3 on the year.

Red-shirt freshman Allen Baez made his first home start and did not disappoint, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Point guard Michael Sanchez came off the bench and exploded from downtown, draining five shots from beyond the arc on six attempts.

A facet of the game Santa Fe has gradually improved on is taking care of the basketball. The total amount of turnovers has gone down each game. Against IMG Academy, they turned over the ball 12 times after giving up the ball 19 times against Hillsborough on Tuesday.

The Saints will be back in action next Tuesday at home against Polk State College. After Thanksgiving, Santa Fe will embark on a four game road trip.

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After the game, Saints’ head coach Chris Mowry said he was especially happy with the way his team played on defense.

“We did a pretty good job of jumping the ball, keeping it out of the lane and trying to contest their shooters.”

Along with exceptional defensive play, he was happy to see his team take care of the ball.

“We took better care of the basketball here, only 12 turnovers for the game. We had 19 last night at Hillsborough…and we made shots. We got some open looks and knocked them down. Those are the things I thought we did well.”

After starting Allen Baez for the first time at home, Mowry was asked if the decision of who is starting at point guard would be game-to-game or definitive. He says it is definitely going to be game-to-game and then commented on the depth of his roster.

“We are not really deep right now at the one, two, and three. We only have five guys. They’re all going to play a bunch. Starters are going to change from game-to-game but they are all going to play and contribute.”

To listen to full audio clips from above, click below:

Mowry says his team embraced facing a unique offense

Mowry enjoys seeing his team taking care of the ball

Mowry says starters are going to change

Mowry wants his team to continue to work hard

About Fernando Juncadella

Senior at the University of Florida. Working at ESPN Gainesville for four years, covering Florida football, softball, and baseball.

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