Saint Leo, Fla. (February 17, 2007) – The Saint Leo men’s basketball team (12-13, 5-9 SSC) was edged 73-71 by visiting Barry University (21-4, 12-2 SSC) on Saturday afternoon night in a Sunshine State Conference encounter.

The Lions had three players score in double figures, but Barry’s Felipe Barrios led all scorers with 24 points to lead four Bucs players in double figures in the win.  Kyle Rowland (So., North Port, Fla.) led the Lions with 18 points in defeat.

Barry led from the start and took a 40-29 lead into the half-time locker room behind 13 first half points from Barrios.  The Bucs led by as many as 14 points in the opening half, which marked the largest lead of the contest.

In the second half the lead hovered around 10 points until the Lions closed to within one with 15-seconds remaining.  After Barrios hit one of two at the free throw line, Saint Leo again got to within one on a free throw by Rowland.  Barrios was again able to convert on one of two before the final possession of the game resulted in a turnover and the Bucs secured the regular season sweep.

Prior to the game, Saint Leo’s three seniors (Richard Blue, J.J. Turner and Alleo Frazier) were honored as they played their final home game with the Lions.  SLU will continue its regular season on Wednesday with a visit to Lakeland, Fla. and another Sunshine State Conference game against Florida Southern at 7:30 p.m.