SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Men's basketball team travels to Lakeland, Fla. this weekend as the Lions participate in the Terrace Hotel Thanksgiving Classic, hosted by Sunshine State Conference rival Florida Southern.
 
Saint Leo (2-2, 0-1 SSC) is on a mission to rebound from its recent contest in an 82-66 defeat to Florida Tech.  Fifth-Year Forward Marty Jackson comes off a 24-point game that included a 10-for-18 shooting performance from the field.
 
The Lions head into the weekend averaging over 82 points a contest, nearly shooting 50% from the floor and boasting the 18th-best free throw percentage in NCAA DII (81.1%).
 
vs. Parkside (11-25)
Up first for the Green & Gold will be the rejuvenated Parkside Rangers (3-1), who come off a 66-52 win over Northwood.   Scoring has been a challenge for opponents, as the Rangers have allowed 63 points a game, including a defensive perimeter that has limited teams to under 30% all season.  Offensively, Parkside has nearly averaged 72 points a contest.
 
UWP is led by its playmaker in Rasheed Bello, averaging 18 points with 4.5 boards and 5.75 assists.  From the court, Bello is 50%, including nearly 44% from beyond the arch.  Defensively, the Chicago, Ill. native has averaged two steals and 0.75 blocks.
 
Friday's game will be the first time the Lions and Rangers meet in program history.  
 
vs. Anderson (S.C.) (11-26)
After UWP, the Lions will face Anderson the next day to conclude its Thanksgiving slate.  After starting the 2022-23 season with three, straight losses, the Trojans (2-3) have picked up momentum with back-to-back wins heading into the weekend.  AU's 3-pt. game will be a tall order for any team to handle, as the Trojans average 38% from outside the perimeter, boasting NCAA DII's 17th-best Three Pointers Made average (11.1).  On defense, Anderson has struggled to contain opponents' scoring attacks, allowing one of the highest field percentages in NCAA DII (51.1%) while giving up over 36% from long range.
 
The Trojans rely on the Denbow brothers to carry the majority of the scoring as the older Denbow (Garrett) hits 17.6 points while younger brother Luke averages 17.2 points.  Garrett additionally has been consistent at the free-throw line, averaging nearly 92%.
 
Myles Jenkins is nearly averaging double-double figures for the Trojans, putting up nearly 14 points with nine rebounds.
Saturday's game will also be another feature another brand new opponent for the Green & Gold.
 
Tipoff at the George W. Jenkins Fieldhouse is set for 5:30 both days.  Fans unable to attend can follow the live action by clicking on the links below:
 
Live Video
 
Live Stats (Parkside)
 
Live Stats (Anderson)


 
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.