LAKELAND, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball lost a mid-week conference matchup to No. 19/16 Florida Southern Wednesday night. The Sailfish (10-13) kept things close throughout the game but could not make a big run down the stretch as the Mocs (19-4) took the game 89-85.

The Sailfish spread the ball around as six different 'Fish put up points in the first half. Malek Barber and De'Ondre Jackson each had eight points combining for 16 of PBA's 29 first half points. The 'Fish shot over 40 percent from the field but struggled from three as they went 2-for-11 in the half which allowed the Mocs to get on top. Going into halftime Florida Southern held a three point lead at 32-29.

Bakari Warthen caught fire in the second half as he dropped 15 points after only having four in the first half. The Sailfish continued to shoot well as they shot 67 percent in the second half. Unfortunately for the Sailfish, the Mocs also shot well going 18-for-28 from the floor which included 8-for-12 from beyond the arc. Regardless of Florida Southern potent offense the Sailfish remained in the hunt to the final minute of play where they were within three. The 'Fish could not get anything to go and eventually the Mocs came out on top.

PBA shot 54 percent in the game going 33-for-62 from the floor. Thanks to Warthen's second half shooting he was the Sailfish top scorer for the game with 19 points while Jackson had 16. Two other 'Fish with double digit scoring were Malek Barber with 13 and Jules Jasmin with 11. Jasmin led the team in rebounds as well with seven.

The Sailfish return to action as they head home to host Eckerd College on Saturday Feb. 16 in Rubin Arena. Tip-off is slated at 4 p.m.