SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's basketball team lost at home versus No. 3 Nova Southeastern on Wednesday night in Sunshine State Conference (SSC) action.

Despite falling behind by 12-5 early in the first half, the Lions battled back with eight consecutive points to take a 13-12 lead following a layup from senior Matt Ansah at the 15:33-mark. However, the Sharks scored 10 straight points to grasp a 23-13 lead. At halftime, Nova Southeastern led by a 65-30 margin.

In the second half, the Sharks maintained their lead for the rest of the game.

As a team, Saint Leo shot 46.7 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.

The Lions were led by junior Jayden Johnson, who recorded a career-high 14 points as he connected on four three-point attempts along with two boards, one block and one assist. Junior Luther Smith Jr. posted 13 points with one steal and one assist. Ansah tallied 12 points, four assists, two rebounds, and one steal. Senior Owen Pawlikowski notched 11 points, three boards, three assists, and one block.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, January 24 as they host Rollins in a conference bout, starting at 4:30 p.m.