ROBERTSDALE, Alabama - Good effort and timely shooting were not enough to turn around a slow start for the Central Christian Saints as they lost to an athletic Jones Christian Academy 66-46 in front of their home crowd Tuesday night.

Trailing by double digits for the majority of the game, the Saints were able to cut the deficit to a two possession game a few times only to see the lead mushroom back to double digits in a matter of minutes.

“We couldn’t get over the hump. Then we had to play that defense where we got out of rhythm. When you’re down 12 you have to do whatever you can,” Saints coach Dan Crotts said. “I think we gave them too many chances. We had too many turnovers that seemed to turn into points for them. Those two things were the difference in the game.”

Not only did they struggle with turnovers they also had trouble covering the 6-foot-4 athletic senior captain Qwazon Hunter who had nearly half of the Warriors points Tuesday night.

He finished with 28 points which included two high-light reel dunks that even left the Saints fans in astonishment.

Hunter was one of three players for the Warriors who finished in double figures. Sophomore guard Brandon Fryson finished with 13 points while senior center Elajuwon Beasley finished with 10.

“I have to give our guys a lot of credit for that. We might not be the best team but we have a lot of character,” Crotts said. “Even the guys we subbed in at the end of the game are still going out there giving 100 percent. That’s what I want to see.”

The Warriors started the game on an 11-1 run that eventually led to an 18-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Saints would play a much better second quarter. They outscored the warriors 15-13 in the quarter. They trailed at the half 31-26.

The second half would continue to be controlled by the Warriors. The Saints were able to get cut the deficit to a two possession game before the Warriors again went on another run to seal the win.

The Saints finished with one scorer in double digits. Senior Tim Shelton finished the game with 21 points.

With the loss the Saints fall to 4-3 on the season. They will be in action again on Dec. 13 when they travel to play conference rival Aletheia Christian Academy. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.