Saint Leo, Fla. (January 6, 2007) – The Saint Leo University men’s basketball team (7-5, 1-1 SSC) ran its winning streak to four games, and won for the fifth time in the last six games overall with a 72-66 triumph over visiting Palm Beach Atlantic University (2-14) on Saturday.

The Lions were led by freshman Saladeem Dewberry’s (Calypso, N.C.) career-high 21 points, while freshman Jordan Prais (Lakeland, Fla.) added 16 points in the win.  Jonathan Banks (Jr., Tampa, Fla.) also grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Lions swept the season series with the Sailfish.

A hard fought battle saw a total of eight lead changes, and six ties.  The final lead change came with 12:53 remaining in the contest when Banks converted a lay-up.  A 9-0 run by the Lions capped off by a three-point play from Dewberry helped the Lions open the largest lead of the game at 55-45 with 5:33 left to play.

Saint Leo led by 10 with under a minute to play, but a quick 5-0 run brought the Sailfish back within five with 19-ticks left.  SLU freshman Quentin Cullop (Winter Haven, Fla.) then went 4-of-4 from the free throw line to seal the win before Derek Barnes hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to provide the final margin.

Barnes led all scorers in the game, as he totaled 22 points.  Meanwhile, PBA forward Sean Tucker recorded a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Saint Leo will return to Sunshine State Conference action when the Lions host Eckerd College on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m.