FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball dropped a non-conference game against Emmanuel College on Tuesday, as the Lions won by a score of 76-69. The Lions led for all but two minutes of the game, which was closely-contested throughout, as the Sailfish got within a point several times, but were never able to retake the lead in the contest. The 'Fish fall to 6-7 on the season with the loss while Emmanuel improves to 5-4 on the young season.
The 'Fish struggled from the field in the first half, as they managed just 36 points and shot under 40 percent from the field. De'Ondre Jackson provided a spark off the bench for the Sailfish, as the sophomore scored 10 points and missed just one shot in the half. The Lions shot 58 percent in the half, and took a 42-36 lead into the break.
The second half was back and forth for the first 15 minutes, with teams trading baskets most of the way. The Lions opened a 68-57 lead with just over three minutes to play when the Sailfish began to make a late run. Lucas Morales and Bakari Warthen picked up a couple big steals and the Sailfish were able to go on a 9-3 run over the next 2:30, cutting the Lions lead to 71-66. The 'Fish were unable to complete the comeback however and fell by the 76-69 score.
Warthen led the 'Fish in scoring on the day, as the junior finished with 14 points and also added nine rebounds. Jackson finished with 12 points on the day in just 19 minutes of action. Morales and Matthew Johnson added eight points each in the game for the 'Fish. The 'Fish struggled shooting from deep on the day, as they made just five of their 25 three-point attempts in the game.
The Sailfish will now have a couple days off before taking on Young Harris on the road on Friday, Dec. 15 at noon.
