SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University men's basketball team ended the 2024 portion of its schedule with a win-streak as the Lions defeated Alaksa Fairbanks, 77-60, on the final day of the 2024 Hilton Garden Inn Classic. The Lions had a trio of players reach double-figures as Amar Hot led the game with 20 points. The Lions won back-to-back games for the first time since they put together a three-game win streak last month. Saint Leo improves to 6-6 overall while the Nanooks head back to the northwest with a three-game losing streak, falling to 5-6 overall.

Saint Leo had a trio of players hit double digits as Amar Hot, Brady Corso, and Jaylan McElroy each reached double-digits. Corso set a new career-high with 19 points in 18 minutes played. Eric Jones led the game with nine rebounds.

Wilson had six points in the win and now needs just five points to reach the 1,000 career-point mark between his time at Charleston (W.Va.) and Saint Leo. Wilson finished his two-year career at Charleston with 799 points and ends the day with 196 points this season.

SAINT LEO 77, ALASKA FAIRBANKS 60

• Saint Leo surged to a 46-32 halftime lead, shooting an efficient 52.9% from the field in the first half, including 4-of-13 from beyond the arc.
• Hot led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line while adding four assists and one block.
• McElroy delivered 18 points, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, along with four rebounds and three steals.
• Brady Corso provided a spark off the bench, scoring 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including four three-pointers, and recording two steals.
• Saint Leo held Alaska Fairbanks to 37.1% shooting from the field and just 28.6% from three-point range.
• Despite being out-rebounded 41-34, Saint Leo's eight offensive boards led to 10 second-chance points, maintaining control of the game.
• The Lions scored 28 points in the paint, showcasing their ability to attack the interior defense of Alaska Fairbanks.
• Saint Leo capitalized on transition opportunities, scoring 23 fast-break points compared to Alaska Fairbanks' four.
• The Lions recorded 19 assists on 28-made baskets, demonstrating excellent ball movement and teamwork.
• Saint Leo limited Alaska Fairbanks to 32.3% shooting in the second half, securing a comfortable margin of victory.

 
UP NEXT
Saint Leo will take a few days off to celebrate the Christmas holiday before it gets right back to it opening the new year with a January 1 showdown with the Barry Buccaneers in Miami Shores. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Barry.