ST. LEO, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball led Saint Leo for over 17 minutes on Saturday night but the Lions closed the game on a 10-3 run to pick up the 66-59 victory.
Jonika Garvin led the 'Fish with her fourth double-double of the season, pouring in a game-high 21 points and securing a game-high 15 rebounds. Garvin made 8-of-13 from the floor but the 'Fish struggled to just a 32.3 shooting percentage in the game.
Despite the poor shooting PBA (2-15, 0-11 SSC) led at the half (32-29) and after three quarters (50-49). The Lions (8-11, 3-8 SSC) 53-51 with eight minutes left before Garvin scored a bucket in the lane and Darsan DeShazier connected on a free throw to give the 'Fish a lead with over seven minutes to play.
The Lions connected on a three in their next possession and Mina Salhia tied the game for the final time at 56-56 before Saint Leo pulled away down the stretch. PBA missed eight straight from the field as the Lions were able to build an eight-point lead with just over a minute left. The drought finally ended with 1:20 to go as Aniyah Ross scored in the paint but it wasn't enough to bring the Sailfish back.
Katie Stang joined Garvin in double figure scoring for PBA with 10 points off the bench. She hit on 3-of-5 from beyond the arc as the team made 6-of-20. Saint Leo didn't fare much better shooting the ball, hitting on 36.7 percent from the floor and 8-of-20 from long range.
Claudia Charles grabbed seven rebounds off the bench for PBA while Ross added eight to go along with six points. Mina Salhia added nine points while Ibilola Oyedeji handed out a team-high four assists.
The Sailfish are back in action on Wednesday as they host Palm Beach County rivals Lynn University in Rubin Arena at 5:30 p.m.