SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Men's basketball team will travel over the bay and into St. Petersburg, Fla. for its annual trip to Eckerd to face the Tritons in Sunshine State Conference play.
 
The Lions (6-3, 2-1 SSC) come off a sensational night that featured the return of Fritz the mascot in a 72-60 home win over an NAIA nationally-ranked opponent in SUN Conference member Keiser University.  Heading into Saturday, the Green & Gold have allowed under 67 points over the last four games, as the overall defense has limited opponents to under 41% from the field on the season.
 
Freshman guard Owen Pawlikowski has played a factor in Saint Leo's scoring production, averaging close to 13 points and shooting an impressive 71% from the last three games.
 
Eckerd (3-3, 1-2 SSC) may be riding a three-game skid, but the Tritons' competition is no laughing matter, coming off defeats to nationally-ranked SSC rivals in #18 Florida Southern and #3 Nova Southeastern.  EC averaged 78 points from the previous week, led by its scoring leaders in Carr Thiam (17.7 points a game) and Daniel Love (16.3 points a game).
 
Saint Leo will face another proficient, 3-pt. team this weekend, as the Tritons have hit 39% of its shots from long range.
 
The Lions, who boast the nation's 11th-best field percentage (.511), will look to take advantage of an Eckerd defense that has given up nearly 46% of shots from the floor, including allowing the second-highest perimeter defensive percentage in the conference (.401).
 
Tipoff at the McArthur Center is slated for 5 p.m.  Fans can follow the action live by accessing the links below:
 
STATS
 
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.