ALBANY, Ga. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team defeated the Albany State University Golden Rams in a midweek matchup in Georgia. The Sailfish (3-7) dominated the first half and outlasted the Rams (3-7) second half push in order to win 58-52.
PBA had a great start to the game with a dominate first half. The 'Fish quickly jumped out on top and never looked back, even extending their lead up to 20 points at two separate times. At the 15 minute mark the Sailfish had already grabbed a nine point lead thanks to nine points from Jules Jasmin including a three-pointer, a dunk, a layup, and pair of free throws that put the score at 11-2. The Rams would rally for six more points before Zac Neely would connect from deep putting the score at 14-8. The Sailfish remained in the driver's seat as they extended their lead to 18 when Andrew Moemeka threw down a dunk to make the score 31-13. De'Ondre Jackson would add a nice jumper to put the lead at an even 20 with four minutes remaining in the half. The score going into the break was 35-17 in favor of the Sailfish. Jasmin was responsible for 17 points himself and Moemeka had eight at half.
The second half started out with more of the same as the 'Fish held onto a large lead. Another layup from Jasmin put the score at 39-23 with 17 minutes to go in regulation. The Rams would then go on a 10-point run putting the score at 39-33, bringing them within six of PBA at the 14 minute mark. Tough defense and solid offense would keep the Rams in the game as they got within two on a three ball from Jonathan Hendersen. Albany State would eventually tie the game up on a free throw putting the score even at 42. More free throws would eventually lead to the Rams capturing their first lead of the night at 46-45 with only six minutes remaining in the game. They would extend their lead to as much as three before the Sailfish turned the tides and took back the lead on a Jackson layup with four minutes to go and the 'Fish up 49-48. From there PBA would maintain a small lead thanks to layups from Moemeka and Jackson. Clutch free throw shooting from Jackson and Bakari Warthen would seal the deal for the Sailfish as they ended the game on top 58-52.
The Sailfish shot 44 percent from the field going 20-for-45 and 36 percent from three making 4-of-11 from beyond the arch. Jasmin was the main scorer for the Sailfish as he put up 21 points going 8-for-12 from the field and made his only three-point attempt of the night. Jasmin also added eight rebounds to his stat line along with one assist and two steals. Moemeka was efficient in his shooting tonight going 6-for-9 from the floor and putting up 12 points and pulling down two boards. Jackson shot at a 50 percent clip going 3-for-6 and 5-for-6 at the line giving him 11 points in the game. Warthen and Malek Barber both had six rebounds apiece and combined for seven points.
The Sailfish return home for a game against Caldwell University on Sunday Dec. 16. Tip-off is slated for 1 pm in Rubin Arena.
