Men’s Basketball: FAU Wins Road Exhibition

Saint Leo Men’s Basketball Concludes Exhibition Play with Loss to Florida atlantic

A strong first-half performance wasn’t enough as the Saint Leo men’s basketball team fell to NCAA Division I opponent Florida atlantic, 112-55, on Wednesday night at Abessinio Court inside the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The game marked the conclusion of the Lions’ exhibition schedule.

BOCA RATON, fla. – Despite a promising start, the Saint Leo University men’s basketball team concluded its exhibition season with a defeat against a formidable opponent.The Lions demonstrated early resilience, holding the Owls to 26.7% shooting from beyond the arc while converting 37.5% of their own three-point attempts. However, florida Atlantic capitalized on its size and depth to secure a decisive victory.

Did you know? – Saint Leo competed in an exhibition game against Florida Atlantic, a Division I school, to gain experience against higher-level competition before the start of their regular season. Exhibition games don’t count toward win-loss records.

first-Half Promise, Second-Half Surge for Owls

Saint Leo entered halftime trailing 48-37, a respectable margin considering the disparity in division levels. The Lions’ offensive efficiency in the first half kept the game competitive, showcasing their potential for the upcoming regular season. though, Florida atlantic adjusted its strategy in the second half, extending its lead and ultimately dominating the remainder of the contest.

Smith Jr. Leads Lions in Scoring Effort

Luther Smith Jr. spearheaded the Lions’ offensive attack, finishing with a team-high 17 points. The junior guard showcased his versatility, going 3-for-7 from three-point range and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Dominic Commisso, a sophomore, contributed 10 points on 5-for-10 shooting, while junior Jayden Johnson added 8 points and a team-best five rebounds.

The Lions also received valuable contributions from their bench,totaling 27 points on the night. Freshman Aeris Lawson made an impact with a three-pointer and two steals, while junior Elijah Harris chipped in five points, including an early three-pointer. Saint Leo knocked down a total of seven three-pointers throughout the game.

Pro tip: – Focusing on free-throw shooting, like Luther Smith Jr.’s perfect 6-for-6 performance, can be a key to minimizing scoring gaps in competitive games.

Looking Ahead: Palm Beach Atlantic Christmas Tournament

Saint Leo will return to action on Thursday, December 18, competing against South Florida Bible College in the first day of the palm Beach Atlantic Christmas Tournament at 3 p.m. This tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for the Lions to build momentum as they prepare for conference play.

Fans can follow Saint Leo men’s basketball for the latest details on X and Instagram at @SaintLeoMBB. The Saint Leo Athletics App is also available for iOS and android, offering live stats and schedules for all Lions sports.

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Reader question: – What adjustments do you think the Lions need to make to compete more effectively against Division I opponents? Share your thoughts!