SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University men's basketball team dropped a close one at home on Wednesday night to the Lynn Fighting Knights. The game was close throughout as the teams battled. Saint Leo rallied late in the second half to tie the game at 59-59 but that was short-lived as the visitors roared back to claim the victory. Saint Leo falls to 8-10 overall and 3-7 in SSC play as the first half of conference play wraps up.

Three Lions hit double-digit points with Tae Wilson leading the team with 18, Jaylan McElroy added 14, and Logan Ryan had 12 points in the loss. Wilson recorded another double-double as he had 10 rebounds including eight on defense. Saint Leo outscored Lynn in points off the bench and points off turnovers while both teams had 32 points each in the paint.

LYNN 74, SAINT LEO 66
FIRST HALF:

• The Lions started slow offensively, allowing an early 11-0 run by the Knights.
• Five quick points from Tae Wilson and a layup by Camden Cerese sparked a 7-0 run for the Lions, bringing them back into the game.
• The Knights took a five-point lead into the first media timeout, thanks to two three-pointers and a driving layup from Osei Price.
• The Lions struggled on the boards, managing only one offensive rebound compared to the Knights' eight.
• Tae Wilson led the Lions early with 14 points and six rebounds.
• The Knights hit eight three-pointers, shooting 50% from beyond the arc, and carried a seven-point lead into halftime.

SECOND HALF:

• Lynn started the second half strong, making its first three field goals and forcing Saint Leo to call a timeout just 95 seconds into the period.
• The Lions failed to score during the first four minutes of the half, allowing the visitors to extend their lead to 15 points.
• A 13-4 run by Saint Leo and a strong defense that limited the opposition to just two field goals over a five-minute span cut the deficit to five near the halfway mark.
• McElroy scored two points and grabbed a tough defensive rebound, bringing the Lions within five heading into the under-eight media timeout.
• Logan Ryan sank a three at the five-minute mark to tie the game at 59-59, but the Knights immediately answered with a 9-2 run over the next 2:40 to push their lead back to seven.
• Brady Corso was fouled while attempting a three-pointer with 39 seconds remaining and made all three free throws to make it a four-point game. However, Lynn converted its free throws down the stretch, and the Lions' late rally ultimately came up short.

UP NEXT
Saint Leo closes out the week with a quick trip over to Tampa for an afternoon match-up against the Spartans at 4 p.m.