ANAHEIM, Calif. – Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball earned their first win of the 2017-18 season on Sunday, as they defeated the Jefferson Rams 79-71 to close out their play at the Division II Tip-Off Classic.  The Sailfish improve to 1-2 on the young season while Jefferson drops to 2-1 with the loss.

The Sailfish got off to a quick start in the game, as they jumped out to a 21-10 lead in the first nine minutes of play.  The 'Fish led by as many as 18 in the first half and took a 39-26 lead into the break.  Grant Gullett had a strong first half for the 'Fish, as the senior scored eleven points and added five rebounds in the half.  The Sailfish shot 57 percent (16-for-28) in the half.

PBA maintained their double-digit lead for most of the second half, as they traded baskets with the Rams and led by 10 points with under three minutes to play.  Jefferson then went on a 7-2 run and cut the Sailfish lead to 72-67 with 44 seconds to play, but the Sailfish made seven of eight free-throw attempts from that point to seal the 79-71 victory over the undefeated Rams. 

Marshall Riddle had his best game of the season on Sunday, as the senior transfer made five of his eight three-point attempts and led the Sailfish with 17 points.  Bakari Warthen had a nice game for the 'Fish as well, as the West Palm Beach, Fla. native scored 10 points and added five assists and six rebounds on the day.

Freshman Jules Jasmin had a very efficient day offensively, needing just five shot attempts to finish with 10 points.  Matthew Johnson and De'Ondre Jackson added nine points each off the bench for the Sailfish.

The Sailfish will return home after their three games in California, and will now prepare for the Daytona Mitsubishi/Kia Shootout on Nov. 10-11.  The 'Fish will take on Paine on Friday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. in Daytona Beach, Fla.