Hernando Reporter

The Saint Leo University Men's basketball team put together a defensive performance for the ages in the first half that was enough to hold off a second half comeback effort from Florida Southern as the Lions defeated the Mocs 71-64 Wednesday night at George W. Jenkins Fieldhouse.

Saint Leo (13-5, 5-3 SSC) held Florida Southern (10-5, 4-4 SSC) to its fewest points scored this season, as the Green & Gold became just the second team to best FSC in Lakeland.  The Lions stifled the Mocs' long-range attack, limiting FSC's three-point percentage to 9.5%, including 0-for-12 in the first half.  The Green & Gold led the entire way, boasting a lead as large as 16.

Fifth-year forward Marty Jackson played all 40 minutes, notching his third double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds, along with five assists and two blocks. Redshirt Fifth-year guard Francis Sio scored his second-highest point total of the season (15), shooting 5-for-7 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.

In an unreal first half, Saint Leo's defense rose to the occasion, as Florida Southern's high-scoring offense did not reach double-digits for the first 15 minutes of the contest.

The second half saw the Mocs in a familiar rhythm, shooting nearly 44% from the field to score 43 points.  FSC closed the difference to as little as three points (55-52) at the 5:51 mark before good baskets from Jackson and guard Kanon Koster gave the Lions the cushion room needed to finish out the game with free throws and take a 71-64 win back to Saint Leo.

"A gutsy, gutsy road win against another strong team" said Head Coach Lance Randall. "Marty is an unbelievable competitor and he came up big time when we needed him. Francis was great off the bench , hitting huge free-throws in the first half. Our freshmen were really good tonight; they got long minutes and big production came from Trey Lane, Owen Pawlikowski, and Logan Ryan. Jared Coomer and Jeremy Sanchez, along with Owen, were outstanding defensively."

Randall continued "We survived some serious foul trouble with Kanon, Grant Disken and Francis. Great job handling their pressure down the stretch and knocking down free throws for the huge road win; love the heart of this group."

The Lions are back on the road Saturday to face #2/#2 Nova Southeastern, with tipoff set for 4 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Men's basketball, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Original source can be found here.