Box Score AVE MARIA, Fla. - The New College of Florida Mighty Banyan's fell to NAIA no. 17 Ave Maria 117-76 Monday night. 

New College traveled to Ave Maria for their first of three games this week. Ave Maria (9-2) hosted NCF for the teams third home game of the season, and thier first home game this year ranked in the National polls. 

The Gyros entered tonight's action as one of the top three point shooting teams in the nation, and their ability was on display in full effect in the first half. Ave Maria opened the game on a 8-2 run. Shawn Lefresne and Jack Scott knocked down three pointers to bring New College back within two. Another offense run by the Gyro's put them ahead 28-14 before a Shawn Lefrense three pointer got the Banyans back on track. Schuyler Pimentel and Lefresne scored on back-to-back possessions to bring New College back within ten points. 

Another big run by Ave Maria put them up 20 points with under five minutes remaining in the first half. Malachi Pearson scored at the rim and drew the foul to ignite his teammates. Alex Excellent subbed into the game and immediately made an impact, knocking down a three point shot with three minutes to go. Jackson Dawson ended the first half with a bucket at the rim to take the Banyans into the half trailing 57-41.

Ave Maria's offense exploded in the second half. The Gyro's knocked down 10 triples in the second half at a 66% clip. The Ave Maria offense never looked back, scoring 60 second half points, and knocking down 19 three's on the night. 

The Banyan offense struggled to keep up in the second period. New College converted on only 30% of their shots in the half, making two of their fifteen three point attempts. The Banyan offensive struggles put the game out of reach, and Ave Maria picked up their ninth win of the season with a 117-76 victory. 

Shawn Lefresne and Schuyler Pimentel led NCF in scoring with 12 points each. 

Jack Scott recorded an impressive double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

Jackson Dawson chipped in 9 points in a perfect night from the field. 

NCF is back on action this Wed. Dec 13, when they travel to Miami Gardens for a match-up with No. 24 St. Thomas