SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Men's basketball team is set to begin Sunshine State Conference play Saturday as the Lions host the Florida Tech Panthers.
 
The Green & Gold (2-1) could not have had a better dress rehearsal for SSC play Tuesday, coming off a 113-55 win over Johnson University (Fla.) that saw the Lions shoot close to 70% from the field and nearly 48% beyond the arch.  Defensively, Saint Leo limited the Suns to 37%, including 18.2% long range.
 
Guards Grant Disken and Kanon Koster head into Saturday's conference opener both averaging over 42% from beyond the perimeter, as Disken averages 15 points a game while Koster hits 14.7 a contest.  Forward Marty Jackson is the other Lion averaging a double-digit scoring mark (13.7), averaging 72% from the floor.
 
Overall, Saint Leo has a number of players that have contributed to the team's 53.2% field percentage, the 19th-best mark in NCAA DII this season.  The scoring offense will have its hands full against a Florida Tech (2-0) team that boasts a field defense that has allowed under 38% of shots from the floor.
 
The Panthers themselves are fresh off a weekend of regional competition, taking down RV Benedict College and Auburn Montgomery by eight points apiece.  Sean Houpt averaged 21 points a contest, hitting 43% of shots including 48% from beyond the perimeter. 
 
FT will also look to Sesan Russell to continue orchestrating its scoring, averaging 18 points with 6.5 boards and assists.  Additionally, Russell is a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line.
 
Defensively, not only do the Panthers' 38% field defense rank in the top 30 in the nation, but the Panthers averaged 12.5 steals over the weekend, setting up another challenge for Saint Leo as the Lions hold 11.3 turnovers a contest.
 
Saturday will mark the 30th, overall meeting between the Lions and the Panthers, as the Green & Gold lead the series 18-11.
 
Tipoff at the Marion Bowman Activities Center is scheduled for 6 p.m.  Fans can purchase tickets to the game by clicking the link below:
 
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
 
Stats and video will also be provided for the contest:
 
Live Stats
 
Live Video


 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Men's Basketball, visit SaintLeoLions.com.  Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.