LAKELAND, FL - In a thrilling matchup at the Mocs Thanksgiving Classic in Lakeland, FL, the Lions secured an impressive 89-75 victory over Catawba on Saturday November 25^th. The Lions' exceptional performance showcased their skill, teamwork, and determination. The went 2-0 over the tournament and proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with moving forward this season.
 
From the opening tip-off, this matchup had intense energy, and it was evident that the Lions were hungry for another victory. The first half saw a closely contested battle, with Saint Leo holding a slim 32-30 lead at halftime. Grant Disken, Kanon Koster, Logan Ryan and Cantia Rahming, contributed significantly on both ends of the court, setting the tone for the Lions. The Lions saw had five players score double figures which gave them a balanced attack both inside and out.
 
The second half witnessed an impressive surge from the Lions, with a notable improvement in shooting efficiency. The Lions shot an impressive 59% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc, outscoring Catawba by 12 points to secure the win.
 
Grant Disken led the Lions in scoring with an outstanding 34-point career high performance, showcasing his scoring versatility with 11 field goals, including four three-pointers, and a solid 8-10 from the free-throw line. Kanon Koster added 16 points, while Logan Ryan and Cantia Rahming contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively. Rahming also dominated the boards with a career high 18 rebounds.
 
Greyson Pritzl provided a crucial spark off the bench, contributing 13 points and four assists. The Lions' defense was anchored by Marshawn Robinson, who recorded a block and a steal, while the team collectively tallied eight steals.
 
Head Coach Lance Randall was gratified after the win stating "What a great early season win by the lions tonight. That was a sweet sixteen caliber team we beat. Grant came up huge all night long. Cantia with a young Charles Barkley like performance on the glass, I thought that was Kanon's best game of the year. Logan had a huge three and hit some other big shots for us. I loved Marshawn, Jeremy, and Alex off the bench tonight on the defensive end. Great weekend for Saint Leo basketball knocking off two NCAA tournament teams in strong fashion. We have a lot to work on, we must keep getting better heading into conference play."
 
The Lions' shooting percentages were impressive throughout the game, finishing with 52% from the field, 52% from beyond the arc, and 88% from the free-throw line.
Their offensive efficiency and tenacious defense proved to be the keys to victory.
 
The Lions' victory was a collective effort, with significant contributions from members of the team. The win improves Saint Leo's record to 4-2 for the season, marking a strong start to their campaign. The Lions knocked off #10 ranked North Georgia and a solid Catawba team proving they are a tough squad.
 
With this win, the Lions look forward to SSC conference play as they host Eckerd College on Wednesday November 29^th. The Lions will play in the second game of a double header and tipoff is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. 

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