MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — Saint Leo men's basketball lost 76-68 in a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) matchup Saturday afternoon at Barry in the Health & Sports Center.

The Lions were led by senior Donovan Hill and junior Luther Smith Jr., who each scored 15 points. Hill added a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-double, while senior Matt Ansah also chipped in 15 points off the bench. Senior Owen Pawlikowski finished with 10 points and four assists. Junior Elijah Harris posted nine points with five boards, two steals, and one block.

The Lions opened the game with early energy and built a 14-7 advantage midway through the first half following a jumper by Hill. Barry responded with a 24-13 run to close the half and take a 33-27 lead into the locker room.

Out of halftime, Barry extended its lead to as many as 19 points after a three-pointer made it 48-29 with 17:07 remaining.

Saint Leo answered with a steady push, trimming the deficit to four points, 66-62, on a Smith three-pointer with 2:20 to play. However, the Buccaneers sealed the game at the free-throw line down the stretch.

Saint Leo shot 44.4 percent from the field and improved its efficiency in the second half, connecting on 51.7 percent after the break.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, February 18 as they travel to face Eckerd in a conference bout, starting at 7:30 p.m.