Overcoming a slow start on the scoreboard, the Saints men's basketball team secured a 96-83 victory against PHS Academy at home Monday, January 27.

The Saints were behind for most of the first half but continued to chip away at PHS's lead, eventually taking the lead themselves and finished the first half 43-37.

"Good win the for Saints tonight," stated Saints head coach Chris Mowry. "PHS did a great job at the start of the game, jumping out to a 8-0 lead. After our timeout, I thought we started to pick it up."

Multiple Saints contributed in the win – first by DJ Henderson in the first half with 16 of his 22 points, then Luka Filipovic's 11 second-half points (17 overall).

Mowry continued, "Ricardo (Jackson), DJ and Dejuon (Small) really carried us in the first half, and Noah (Thorp) hit some big shots to start the second half to give us a double-digit lead.

The second half saw the Saints remain in control despite offensive attempts by their opponent at various intervals.

"We did a good job building the lead to 18 before PHS closed it to 10 a few times down the stretch," he added.

Elaborating on a true team effort, Mowry added, "Aleksa (Medic) gave us a boost down the stretch and Zare (Cooper) knocked down three of four free throws to close out the game."

Leading the charge in the Saints victory was Henderson's 22 points and five rebounds, Filipovic with 17 points and five rebounds. Small contributed 15 points with four rebounds and four assists while Jackson had 14 points.

The Saints (10-13, 2-4 MFC) will prepare for their next conference match at Eastern Florida State College Saturday, February 1. Tip-off will be at 4 p.m.