MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team won a closely fought game against Florida Tech on Saturday evening in Melbourne. The Sailfish (8-9, 4-5 SSC) tallied their third win in a row as they defeated the Panthers (7-10, 1-8 SSC) by a score of 71-67. Jules Jasmin had a great game for the Sailfish as he led the team in points, steals, blocks, and tied for the lead in rebounds.

The first half was slow for both teams as the Sailfish shot 32 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point range. Although the offense was sluggish, Jasmin was able to shine and was responsible for 17 of PBA's 30 first-half points. The Sailfish were able to keep the game close thanks to tough defense. The Panthers shot 48 percent on the half but turned the ball over 16 times, twice as much as the Sailfish, which allowed the 'Fish to stay even over the course of the half as they went into the locker rooms with a score of 31-30 in favor of Florida Tech.

The Sailfish had a much better second half showing as they shot 45 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc. The 'Fish out rebounded the Panthers 20 to 15 in the second half, 13 of which were defensive boards. Palm Beach Atlantic took over the lead with 10 minutes left in the half when Bakari Warthen hit a huge three-pointer to put the 'Fish up two. The Sailfish never looked back, increasing their second half lead to as much as nine when De'Ondre Jackson threw down a huge slam. The Panthers were able to cut the lead within two on a three-point play with only three minutes remaining. The comeback attempt was too little, too late as the Sailfish continued their strong play and closed out the game with timely shooting and clutch free throws. In the end, PBA captured the victory 71-67.

Jasmin was the Sailfish leading scorer for the game. Jasmin almost had a career high as he scored 24 points, only three away from his career high of 27 which he accomplished last year against Florida Tech in Melbourne. He also had three steals and two blocks which were both team highs for the night. Jasmin and Warthen both had eight rebounds while Andrew Moemeka pulled down seven of his own. Paxton Wilson shot well from three going 3-for-5 from downtown giving him 10 points in the contest.

The Sailfish return to the hardwood on Wednesday Jan. 23 as they host No. 6 Nova Southeastern in Rubin Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.