TAMPA, Fla. – The Saint Leo men's basketball team dropped a 99–91 decision on the road to Tampa in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) matchup Wednesday night at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center.

Saint Leo battled throughout and put together a strong offensive effort, scoring 51 points in the second half, however, in the closing minutes Tampa maintained its lead.

The Lions were led by junior Luther SmithJr., who finished with a team-high 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding four free throws. Sophomore Camden Cerese provided a spark off the bench with 18 points, while senior Owen Pawlikowski chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Senior Donovan Hill posted a double-double effort with 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, and senior Matt Ansah rounded out the double-figure scorers with 12 points and five boards.
Saint Leo shot 45.6 percent from the floor and scored 54 points in the paint, matching Tampa in that category. The Lions also held a 39–34 edge on the glass and received 28 points from their bench.

The Lions trailed 50–40 at halftime but closed within two points midway through the second half before the Spartans responded with a series of free throws to maintain separation.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, January 10 as they travel to compete against nationally-ranked No. 8 Palm Beach Atlantic in a conference bout, starting at 4 p.m.