Newberry thumps Saints

Photo by LARRY HILLIARD Limestone guard Bobby Grier faces defensive pressure from Newberry's Clemente Martin during first-half action Saturday at the Timken Center. The Saints lost the non-conference game to fall to 2-1. It's unlikely Limestone men's basketball coach Brandon Scott handed out many compliments after Saturday's 66-40 non-conference loss to visiting Newberry.

The Saints shot a woeful 24 percent from the floor, including 17 percent in the first half, and committed 17 turnovers to fall to 2-1. The Indians improve to 5-0.

Newberry took control right away, scoring the first nine points of the game. Anthony Middleton finally snapped the Saints' scoring drought with a free throw at the 14 minute mark.

It was nearly three minutes later before Brandon Scott's jumper fell through the net for the Saints' first basket from the field.

By that time the Indians had built a comfortable 13-3 advantage.

Clemente Martin hit a pair of free throws to stretch Newberry's advantage to 31-13 with 1:25 left before halftime.

The Indians were on cruise control in the second half.

Grant Domsic's basket put the Indians up by 20 points with 15 minutes left to go.

The lone bright spot for the Saints was Tyron Evans, who hit back-to-back baskets in the second half, including a 3-pointer.

Evans, freshman Stewart Clark and Bobby Grier all had seven points to lead the Saints. Middleton had nine rebounds for the Saints.

Martin had a game-high 17 points to pace the Indians. Domsic and Brett Goodwell also scored in double figures for Newberry, which shot 46 percent from the field.

The Saints return to conference action on Tuesday at Anderson. Tip off is slated for 7:30 p.m.