Melbourne, Florida – Men's hoops was back in action this afternoon with the team's home opener in the Clemente Center. The Panthers tipped off the home slate against Saint Leo.
GAME THREE – CONFERENCE PLAY
Final: Florida Tech Panthers 67, Saint Leo Lions 71
Records: Florida Tech (4-5, 1-2 SSC)
| Saint Leo (4-4, 1-2 SSC)
Location: Clemente Center
| Melbourne, Florida
GAME NOTES:
First Half:
- To begin this afternoon's SSC contest, Greyson Williams got the rim and used elite body control to finish a tough layup.
- The Panther defense was strong out of the gate again, not allowing a bucket until the 17:40 mark of the first half and forcing three turnovers.
- After the Tech defense held Saint Leo to under ten points through the first five minutes, Grant Lovette drilled a three from the corner to give the Panthers a 9-7 lead.
- Both teams began heating up offensively as AJ Lieuwen hit a three and Sterling White III got inside for a layup to counter three straight three-pointers from the Lions.
- As the first half transitioned to the final ten minutes, Logan Allen threw down an alley-oop from Williams and the Panthers led 18-17.
- Unfortunately for Tech, they went on a multi-minute scoring drought and the Lions took a 22-18 lead.
- Matt Daulerio got the Panthers back on the board with a deep three, and Greyson Williams got the line to tie the game with 5:17 left in the half.
- While the Lions kept hitting shots, Lovette hit another three plus White and Williams both scored points in the paint, sending both teams into the break tied at 36.
HALFTIME SCORE - Florida Tech 36, Saint Leo 36
Second Half:
- The trading of baskets from the end of the first half continued in the second half as the scoreline remained tied at 46-46 with 15 minutes left in the game.
- The Panthers got points from Noah Van Bibber and Xavier Ford-Belton but an 8-0 run from the Lions had them out in front as the game reached the final ten minutes of play.
- Two three-pointers from Van Bibber cut into the lead, but Tech still trailed 59-57.
- While Saint Leo looked to close out the game, another three from Van Bibber and six straight points from Ca'Darrius Sowell tied the scoreline at 67 with just over a minute to go.
- Unfortunately for Tech, Saint Leo drilled a three and forced two turnovers in the final minute as the Lions went on to win the game.
FINAL SCORE - Florida Tech 67, Saint Leo 71
NOTABLE PANTHERS:
UP NEXT: The Panthers will have a ten-day break in between games before hosting Eckerd on Tuesday, December 16
th at 7:39.
For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech Men's Basketball, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
