By Mike Gincel, contributing writer
The Men of the basketball team had a hard run against Eckerd as their offense and their free throw making skills were the deciding factor that led to a heartbreaking and shocking 69-68 loss in the Bowman Center during the season finale.
The first half of the game was a physical game with Marcus Ruh and Jerrel Harris, leading the points and rebounds. With only seconds left, a buzzer beater shot by Eckerd’s Darrien Mack saw the Lions down by one at the end of the first half of the game. It was 31-30 as the Lions left the hardwood. A very physical and emotional second half awaited the teams.
It was a lead that Eckerd was holding onto for the duration of the contest, with many twists and turns. One Eckerd player nearly fell into the stands and was saved by everyone’s favorite mascot, Fritz. The Lions kept fouling the Tritons to have a chance at making points up in the end. The Lions only ended up with five chances at the free throw line, with Shaun Adams being the sole shooter. Adams only connected on one of the five shots as Eckerd went 12-for-15 from the line. With only seconds left, Jerrel Harris made an inspiring last ditch effort. Harris made three straight three-pointers, including one at the final buzzer. It was too little too late as the scoreboard reflected a 1 point loss.
It was a career night for Harris as he made 27 points and went 7-14 from the three point line. Ruh made 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Mack of the Tritons made 26 points and was the lead scorer and rebounder.
With Florida Southern losing to Florida Tech earlier last week, the Lions have achieved at what one point was the impossible. The Lions finished tied for first place in the conference and are named co-champions of the regular season. This is the first conference title for the men, who at one point had a SSC record of 2-14 in the season prior to Head Coach Lance Randall taking over. The Lions finished their season this year 20-6 and 12-4 in the SSC.
With a sweep of Florida Southern, the Men have earned the number 1 seed and will face off against the winner of the Lynn/Tampa match. The Lions play at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. To follow the Men or any of our teams, be sure to follow the Saint Leo Lions on Facebook, Twitter, or at SaintLeoLions.com. Good luck men and as always, go Lions!
