SAINT LEO, Fl.-Despite putting three players in double figures, Savannah State came up short in their men's basketball season opener on Friday afternoon. The Tigers dropped am 80-64 decision to Saint Leo in the first game of the SIAC/SSC Challenge at the Marion Bowman Center.

Savannah State (0-1) struggled out of the gates in the contest, quickly falling behind by as many as 13 points in the first half. The Tigers came as close as five points at the 3:21 mark of the first half, but a late Saint Leo (1-0) run pushed the Lion lead to 10 at 33-23 at halftime.

SSU started the second half on a 7-0 run over the first three minutes to cut the lead to three at 33-30. The Lions on the other hand had a run of their own over the next four minutes, going on a 13-4 run to push their advantage back to double digits at 46-34 with 14:12 remaining. Savannah State could only come as close as nine points down the stretch, but Saint Leo built on their advantage and cruised to the 16 point win. 

Savannah State finished the contest shooting 39% on 23-58 shooting, and went just 2-14 from three point range. Saint Leo wrapped up their night shooting 50% from the floor on 25-50 shooting, and went 12-29 from the bonus sphere. The Lions had a 37-33 edge in rebounding, but Savannah State did force 18 SLU turnovers. 

Ayjay Plain led SSU with 18 points, followed by both Qua King and Jaydon Cousin with 13 points apiece. 

SSU will wrap up their SIAC/SSC Challenge action on Saturday against Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida at 7:30pm.