SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's basketball team jumped out to a 24-11 lead and never looked back as the Lions claimed a 71-44 win over visiting Tampa in Sunshine State Conference action at a rowdy Marion Bowman Activities Center on Wednesday evening.

To many in attendance, the game seemed a carbon copy of the first meeting as the Lions opened up a 13-point lead just 10 minutes in.  By halftime the Lions were up 20 at 39-19 and shooting an astounding 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field.  Opening up a 30 point lead in the second half, Saint Leo managed to coast to the win.

"I thought we did a great job with ball pressure and our help-side was excellent," Head Coach Lance Randall said while critiquing his Lions'.  'We gambled a little bit in the first half and let (Tampa) get loose and they knocked down some jumpers, but I thought our defense was tough.  I think we're getting better defensively. I thought our bench was very good and I thought it was a good energy game."

"We're getting better, and we've just got to keep getting better."

Marcus Ruh led the way for Saint Leo (11-10, 5-6 SSC) with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting including five 3-pointers.  An 8-for-14 night helped Dominick Robinson tally 18 points in 25 minutes on the hardwood.

The Lions finished the evening shooting 51 percent (28-of-55) as an 8-for-17 (47.1%) effort was split between all 14 players.

Tampa (6-16, 3-10 SSC) was led by 11 points from Stefon Barfield as the Spartans shot 40 percent (15-for-38) from the field.

Riding a two-game win-streak, Saint Leo now travels to Rollins College to face the Tars on Saturday afternoon.  The Lions and Tars are scheduled to tip-off at 4 p.m. at the Alfond Sports Center in Winter Park, Fla.  For the latest news, information, and updates on Lions Basketball and all other Saint Leo Athletics, visit SaintLeoLions.com.