Failure.
A loss in Mid-Florida Conference play is something that Santa Fe College (16-5, 2-1 MFC) hasn't experienced since Jan. 20, 2007. Ironically enough, that loss two years ago also came at the hands of Central Florida Community College.
The Patriots came out on top Wednesday 74-71 to hand the Saints their only MFC loss on the season. This loss is the Saints' first in 24 consecutive conference games.
"These guys are disappointed and upset, and I hope it hurts," SFC coach Chris Mowry said. "Any time the other team plays harder than you do, you should feel bad."
Saints sophomore guard Roderick Emanuel provided 24 points - 7 more than his season average - and shot 77 percent from the free-throw line.
"This loss is going to help us," Emanuel said. "Maybe it is exactly what we needed. I guess we thought we were better than what we actually are."
SFC sophomore guard Aaron Holmes was perfect from the free-throw line and contributed 18 points. Freshman point guard Marlon Rivera also scored in double digits with 11.
The last time the Saints held the lead was with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. They led the Patriots 9-8 at that point before CFCC started a 10-0 scoring run.
"Whoever plays the hardest has the best chance to win," Mowry said. "And that's what happened tonight."
The Saints are currently ranked No. 6 in the Florida Community College Activities Association Coaches' Poll and will be facing St. John's River Community College on Saturday in Palatka.
"Our perimeter defense containing the dribble was not that great (Wednesday), and that is a strength of St. John's," Mowry said. "So that is something we will have to work on."
Even after a difficult loss, Saints fans still have faith in their team.
"They are a strong team this year," Santa Fe student Mackenzie Fox said. "They just need to believe in themselves."
