SAINT LEO, Fla. - The Saint Leo University men's basketball team returned to Sunshine State Conference action on Wednesday night at home. The Lions hosted the Eckerd College Tritons to open the final month of the 2024 calendar. Saint Leo entered the game looking to end a two-game skid after dropping both games in Lakeland at the Century Retail Thanksgiving Classic hosted by then-#12 Florida Southern. What turned out to be a back-and-forth game eventually saw the Tritons walk away with the SSC victory.  

Saint Leo was led by a pair of 15-point outings by Tae Wilson and Amar Hot.

ECKERD 71, SAINT LEO 66

• After shooting 56% in the first half, Saint Leo cooled to just 29.2% in the second half, including only two made three-pointers on nine attempts?.
• The Lions trimmed a 10-point deficit to just one in the final minutes but were unable to capitalize on key possessions down the stretch?.
• Eckerd out-rebounded Saint Leo 39-26, including a 16-8 edge in offensive boards, leading to 12 second-chance points for the Tritons?.
• Saint Leo shot 50% from the line in the first half but improved to 87.5% in the second, a missed opportunity to build momentum earlier in the game?.
• The Lions committed nine turnovers, which Eckerd converted into 12 points. Several turnovers came in critical moments?.
• Tae Wilson and Amar Hot led the Lions with 15 points each, while Jaylan McElroy contributed 12 points on efficient shooting?.
• Isaiah Placide was a standout for the Tritons, scoring 18 points and hitting key free throws in the final minutes. Koa Baker added 14 points and was pivotal on the boards.
• Eckerd's bench outscored Saint Leo's 32-11, providing crucial depth and energy throughout the contest.
• Tae Wilson recorded four blocks, anchoring a solid defensive effort for Saint Leo despite the loss?.
• In a tightly contested game featuring eight lead changes, Eckerd used a decisive 7-0 run late in the second half to secure the victory?.

UP NEXT
Saint Leo closes out the week with an SSC match up hosting #23 Tampa on Saturday at home. Tip off against the Spartans is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The Lions three-game stretch of SSC games concludes next weekend when the Green & Gold make the trip north to Daytona Beach to take on the Eagles of Embry-Riddle.