WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.- The Palm Beach Atlantic University men's basketball team dropped a tough fought game to Rollins College on Friday night in Rubin Arena. The Sailfish (1-7) remained in the game for its entirety but were unable to overpower the Tars (7-2) as the game ended 80-79.
The game started with good defense both sides allowing only two points apiece in the first three and a half minutes of play. With 14:37 left on the clock the Tars maintained only a one point lead at 7-6, thanks to a PBA three pointer from Matthew Johnson. The Tars went cold from the floor going over three minutes without a field goal and allowed PBA to grab a three point lead with a score of 10-7 with 12:14 remaining. Casey Carpinello hit a big three to grab a three point lead at the 11 minute mark in a back and forth game. The Tars turned the tides going 5-6 from the field on a seven point run in the next 1:45 and took a four point lead at 17-13 with nine minutes remaining. The Sailfish then threw down back to back dunks, one from Bakari Warthen and the other a lob from Warthen to Jules Jasmin. The 'Fish went cold and couldn't find the net as they were scoreless in in the next four minutes allowing the Tars to extend their lead to 11 points with four minutes left in the first half. PBA managed to battle back and keep it close as the half came to a close with a score of 32-29.
Both teams came out quick in the second half pushing the score to 36-32 in the first two and half minutes. After the Tars hit a deep three, Paxton Wilson answered back with one of his own to put the game at 40-35 in favor of Rollins with 15:47 remaining. Another big dunk by Warthen put the Sailfish within three at the 14 minute mark but that small lead did not hold as the Tars would follow that up with back-to-back three minutes in the next two possessions pushing their lead to 48-39. Michael Stones ended a three plus minute field goal drought for the Sailfish by driving the lane and putting in an easy layup. Right after Warthen found Jasmin on another lob for a monstrous dunk. Warthen then struck from down town to put the Sailfish within four, 51-47. The 'Fish were able to keep it close staying within four with six minutes to go before Carpinello hit his fourth three pointer from straight away to tie the game at 60 each with 4:41 on the clock. The Sailfish made a great effort to get back in the game but were unable to come from behind, falling 80-79.
The Sailfish were lead tonight by Carpinello as he scored his season high 20 points in the contest going 6-14 from beyond the arch and 7-16 from the field. Warthen had an outstanding game tonight as well finishing with 17 points going 3-6 from down town and 7-12 from the floor while adding six rebounds to his resume. Jasmin was the next highest scorer for Palm Beach Atlantic as he added 15 points and six rebounds of his own.
The Sailfish are back in action at home on Sunday Dec. 9 as they take on Ave Maria. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2 pm.
