Carrollton, Ga.– The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team tipped off the official start to the 2019-20 season on Friday at the GSC/SSC Challenge.
 
The new-look Sailfish, who's starting lineup consisted of three newcomers, lost a nail-biter to Lee, 83-80. PBA (0-1) struggled to cool the hot-handed Flames who shot a blistering 46-percent from 3-point range, including a 7-for-12 performance in the first half. Lee (1-0) also outscored the Sailfish 15-8 in points off turnovers as PBA coughed up the ball 15 times in the game. The 'Fish also missed out on several opportunities at the foul line, going 16-for-27 (59-percent) from the charity stripe in the game.
 
PBA was forced to play from behind as Lee jumped out to an early lead in the first half. The Sailfish cut the deficit down to one possession on two separate occasions in the half, but the Flames refused to give up the lead, never trailing in the half.
 
A 3-pointer from Justin Nichelson cut the Flames lead to 23-21 midway through the period, but Lee responded with a 9-0 run to regain control. The Flames took that momentum into the locker room, leading 39-32 at the half. 
 
Lee picked up right where it left off to start the second half. The Flames tied their largest lead of the game, leading 48-37 early in the period. The Sailfish regrouped and cut the deficit to one thanks to a 12-2 run that included four points from Jules Jasmin and a 3-pointer from Aleksa Rakic. Unfortunately for the Sailfish, the Flames answered with a 7-1 run to lead by eight with 12 minutes remaining.
 
Although PBA was unable to gain the lead, the Sailfish stayed within striking distance. With the Flames leading 75-67 with just over four minutes remaining, the Sailfish tried to dig deep to make another run. Dan Largey sunk three free throws after getting fouled on a 3-point attempt, followed by a triple from Darhius Nunn to make it a two-point game with a minute and a half left.
 
After getting a stop on defense thanks to a block by Malek Barber, the Sailfish needed a bucket to even the score. Nunn got a good look from 3-point range which would've given PBA the lead, but his shot rimmed out. A layup from the Flames made it 83-79 with 25 seconds remaining. Lee left the door open by missing two free throws which could have iced the game, but PBA came up short, losing 83-80.
 
Largey led the Sailfish in scoring with 19 points in his PBA debut, going 4-of-11 from the field with a trio of 3-pointers. Jasmin had an efficient night, shooting 7-of-10 with 15 points and six boards. Darhius Nunn scored 14 points with three assists in his first game with the Sailfish. The 'Fish made their presence known in the post, outscoring Lee 38-22 in the paint and outrebounding the Flames 36-27.
 
PBA concludes the GSC/SSC challenge tomorrow when it plays the hosting West Georgia. Tip-off in Carrollton, Ga. Is scheduled for 6 p.m.