Tampa, Fla. (January 3, 2007) – A late 12-2 run helped the Saint Leo men’s basketball team (6-5, 1-1 SSC) overcome the University of Tampa (8-5, 1-1 SSC) on the road Wednesday night in Sunshine State Conference play.

Saint Leo freshman Jordan Prais (Lakeland, Fla.) led all scorers with 18 points and matched his career high for the second straight game with a team-high nine rebounds.  Lions’ guards Quentin Cullop (Fr, Winter Haven, Fla.) and Richard Blue (Sr., Miami, Fla.) also scored in double figures with 15 and 13 points, respectively in the win.

The Lions overcame double-double performances by both Chris Evans (15 pts., 13 reb.) and Jeremy Black (10 pts., 10 reb.).

The game was tight throughout before the Lions went on their 12-2 run to open a 10-point advantage.  Eventually the lead grew to as many as 12 points, which provided the final margin in the contest.

Overall, the lead changed hands 17 times and there were eight ties during the contest.  Saint Leo held the rebounding edge 36-32, and also outscored UT 36-30 in the paint.  The Lions bench also came up big on the night, as they outscored the Spartans reserves 19-4.

The Lions will return home this Saturday to face Palm Beach Atlantic University at 4:00 p.m. in non-conference action.