WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team played its first Sunshine State Conference game of the season in its home-opener against Eckerd.
 
The Sailfish struggled to chase the Tritons off the 3-point line as Eckerd (3-1, 1-0 SSC) went 16-for-31 from beyond the arc. Eckerd regained a 75-74 lead at the eight-minute mark after an and-one, and PBA (3-2, 0-1 SSC) could not regain the lead. The Sailfish tied the game twice down the stretch, but Eckerd held on, earning the 97-90 win.
 
While the Tritons lit it up from downtown, the Sailfish struggled, specifically going 1-for-12 from the 3-point line in the second half. The final score may not reflect how tightly contested the game was, including eight lead changes.
 
PBA had a slow start out of the gates in the first half as Eckerd got out to a 19-8 lead. The Sailfish were able to get open looks, but were unable to convert on their early attempts; however, the hosts heated up as the half progressed.
 
With Eckerd leading 37-27 with four minutes remaining in the half, PBA began to make its push before halftime. A big slam dunk by Jules Jasmin kickstarted a 19-4 run for the Sailfish that also included nine straight points from De'Ondre Jackson, 3-pointers from Casey Carpinello and Dan Largey and another highlight-reel dunk by Jasmin. The Sailfish made their last nine shot attempts before halftime. PBA took a 48-45 lead into the break.
 
The Sailfish carried their momentum into the second half. PBA took its largest lead of the game after a Justin Nichelson free-throw made it 64-55 with 13 minutes left. Eckerd began to mount its comeback with 11 minutes left. An 11-4 run with a trio of Tritons' 3-pointers tied the game at 72. Eckerd took the lead just minutes later and never looked back as the Sailfish's struggles from deep and several poorly-timed turnovers allowed Eckerd to hold on for the 97-90 win.
 
Jackson led the Sailfish with 20 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. Jasmin finished with 19 points and seven boards. Largey added 17 points of his own with five rebounds. Darhius Nunn recorded 15 points and led PBA with seven assists.
 
The Sailfish play again at home on Tuesday against Emmanuel. The game at Rubin Arena starts at 7 p.m.