BOCA RATON, Fla. – Fifth-year forward Marty Jackson and guard Kanon Koster once again posted 20+ point performances The Saint Leo University Men's basketball team defeated Lynn 81-66 Saturday evening at de Hoernle Sports Center.
 
For the first time in eight seasons, Saint Leo (20-9, 11-7 SSC) clinched a winning regular-season conference record with its win over the Fighting Knights (4-20, 2-17 SSC).  The Lions shot 50% from the field while hitting 33.3% of its shots from long range.  From the line, the Green & Gold went 21-of-24 (.875).
 
Jackson (25 points) shot 50% from the floor and hit a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe while picking up two blocks defensively.  Koster recorded 22 points, shooting 7-for-16 from the floor.
 
The Lions' defense kept Lynn to under 42% from the court and under 35% from beyond the perimeter.
 
With the game tied 8-8, Saint Leo went on a 12-4 scoring to build a lead cushion before Lynn battled its way back to cut the difference to four (25-21) with 5:08 remaining in the first half.  The Green & Gold responded with seven unanswered points to push its lead to double digits (32-21) at the 3:06 mark.
 
After taking a 38-28 into the half, Saint Leo maintained its double digit lead until Lynn hit a 3-ptr. from Braxton Bartlett to bring the lead to eight with 13:30 left.  The Fighting Knights got as close as six points, 53-47, before spending the next seven minutes of play building a 22-8 run for its largest lead of the night (75-55).
 
The Green & Gold went on to maintain its sizeable lead to win 81-66.
 
"Another very good SSC road win" said Head Coach Lance Randall.  "Marty and Kanon were beasts inside.  After the first few minutes, we did a very good job finding the rim and getting to the free throw line."
 
Randall continued "I thought our bench was very good, especially on the defensive end.  Grant Disken hit some tough shots and helped us separate."
 
The victory also gave Saint Leo 20 wins on the season, the first time the Green & Gold reached this mark since 2013-14.  "A great milestone for these guys to get to 20 wins, and more importantly, set up a huge last week of the regular season back at the Bowman."
 
The Lions are back on the hardwood floor Wednesday, as the team hosts Florida Southern.  Tipoff against the Mocs is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
 
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.