DIV 2
Saint Leo Prevails Over Lynn
SAINT LEO, Fla. – After trailing for most of the first half, the Saint Leo University Men's basketball team came to life, overcame a double-digit in a 43-point turnaround to defeat Lynn 100-89 Saturday night at the Marion Bowman Activities Center.
The Lions (12-5, 4-3 SSC) continued to display its field dominance, shooting over 58% overall and nearly 48% from beyond the perimeter. The Green & Gold also saw an improvement at the free throw line, knocking down 19 of 23 shots (82.6%) from the charity stripe. Saint Leo's ball control was as equally strong, only turning the ball over seven times.
Guards Kanon Koster (25 points) and Grant Disken (24 points) made up nearly half of Saint Leo's scoring offense, with Koster additionally grabbing eight boards, four assists, and one block and steal apiece on the night.
After Disken drilled a 3-ptr. to the game 12-12, the Fighting Knights (3-10, 1-7 SSC) began a 17-6 run to push a lead as large as 11 (29-18) before the Lions worked its way back into the contest late in the first half to ultimately take the lead (34-33) with a basket from Freshman guard Owen Pawlikowski.
The first half ended with a buzzer-beating Koster jumper that put Saint Leo ahead 44-43 heading into the locker room.
Half Two would see both sides continue to exchange scores for the first three minutes, but the Lions held onto its slim lead (51-46) after a dunk from Lynn's Jimel Lane. The Fighting Knights' leading scorer ignited a roar from the Lions, as the Green & Gold proceeded on an 18-5 run to extend its lead to 18.
A 69-51 lead would not stop the Lions from continuing to pour it on, extending its lead as large as 31 when a pair of good free throws from Freshman guard Trey Lane made the contest 95-63 with 5:36 left.
With an insurmountable lead, the final five minutes provided an opportunity for the Lions' reserves to get in on the action and preserve the 100-89 victory.
Saint Leo is back on the court Wednesday, as the Lions travel to Lakeland, Fla. to face RV/RV Florida Southern. Tipoff at the Jenkins Fieldhouse is slated for 7:30 p.m.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Men's basketball, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.