Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (February 16, 2008) – Quentin Cullop (So., Winter Haven, Fla.) had career highs with 28 points and 11 assists to help the Saint Leo University men’s basketball team (12-11, 5-7 SSC) defeat Nova Southeastern University (9-14, 4-8 SSC) by a score of 93-84 on Saturday night in Sunshine State Conference hoops action.

The Lions had a total of five players in double figures on the night, led by Cullop.  Jordan Prais (So., Lakeland, Fla.) and Kyle Rowland (Jr., North Port, Fla.) each had 15 points, while George Eshesimua (Sr., Miami, Fla.) and Jonathan Banks (Sr., Tampa, Fla.) added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Saint Leo and NSU shot high percentages from the field, as the Sharks shot 53.7% (29-of-54) while the Lions shot 47.4% (27-of-57).  However, the Lions made the most of the Sharks’ 19 turnovers outscoring NSU 18-2 in point off of turnovers.

Neither team led by more than eight points in the opening half, but a 5-0 run late by NSU trimmed Saint Leo’s lead to 44-42 at half-time.

In the second half, both teams held slim margins before Saint Leo used an 11-2 run to open up and 81-69 lead with 4:16 left in the game.  The Lions built the lead to a game-high 13 and held the margin in double digits before the final margin of nine.

Saint Leo will head to Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday night to take on Florida Southern College at 7:30 p.m.