Indians rout Santa Fe in last non-conference game

Chipola men's basketball wrapped up the non-conference portion of its schedule handing Sante Fe College its first loss of the season, 80-56. The Indians (5-1) will head into Panhandle Conference play this upcoming week with confidence after their most complete victory of the season.

"I thought for the first time all year as a team we took care of the basketball," said Head Coach Donnie Tyndall following the game. The Indians, who have struggled turning the ball over thie season, limited their turnovers to 13 and controlled the game from the start.  "In particular Bryce JZ and Lance had very good assist to turnover ratios. Carlos made some shots early in the game but he let the game come to him and didn't force things."

Carlos Lemus led all scorers with 18 points. He was joined in double figures by Nae'qwan Tomlin with 11. Three Chipola players finished the game with 9 points - Jaeden Zackery, Lance Erving, and Bryce Zephir.

At halftime, Chipola had doubled up Santa Fe 46-23. The Saints (3-1) would come out firing in the second half, outscoring the Indians 24-13 in the first ten minutes after the intermission. Saints would close the gap to ten but the Indians would regain control to finish strong and get the 24 point victory.

After playing 6 games in the last 11 days, Chipola will have a few days off before starting conference play and heading to Panama City to take on the #9 ranked team in the nation, Gulf Coast State College, on Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

From Coach Tyndall

"For a very young group to play 6 games in 11 days is very challenging but we have improved with each game and look forward to the start of conference play against a very good Gulf Coast team on the road"