WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. –The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team played its first game of 2020 on Thursday night against Tampa at Rubin Arena.
 
After struggling in the first half, the Sailfish dominated the Spartans in the second half which led to an 84-61 win for PBA (9-3, 2-2 Sunshine State Conference). The 'Fish outscored Tampa 46-27 in the second period as PBA held the Spartans to 21 percent from beyond the 3-point line and outshot Tampa (3-11, 0-5 SSC) from the field. With tonight's win, coach David Balza notched his 300th career victory with 83 of those wins coming during his time at PBA.
 
In his first game returning from injury, Dan Largey led PBA with 19 points including four 3-pointers. De'Ondre Jackson was right behind with 16 points of his own with five rebounds and four steals. Jules Jasmin added a double-double consisting of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Darhius Nunn led PBA with six assists to go with 10 points. Justin Nichelson contributed 12 points to the cause.
 
Playing in their first game in two weeks, both teams took a while to find their rhythm in the opening minutes. Through the first seven minutes of action, the score was tied 8-8.
 
Tampa built a lead midway through the first half thanks to an 14-2 run which was capped off by a pair of Spartan free throws which gave the visitors a 22-11 advantage. Tampa kept its distance until the three-minute mark when the Sailfish went on a 10-0 run to tie the game at 35, including eight points from Nunn. Tampa ended the half with a layup in the final seconds to take a 37-35 lead going into the break.
 
The Sailfish took control in the second half. With Tampa leading 46-42, PBA went on a 15-0 run to take a 57-46 lead. Jasmin tallied seven points in the run along with Jackson who scored six consecutive points, including a breakaway dunk. The PBA defense held Tampa without a point for nearly five minutes during the run.
 
Minutes later, a 10-0 run by the Sailfish put the game out of reach. A made 3-pointer from Largey put the Sailfish ahead 77-58, giving the 'Fish their biggest lead of the game so far. PBA cruised to an 81-64 victory to earn its second SSC win of the season.
 
The Sailfish continue the SSC grind on Saturday when they travel to Saint Leo. The game against the lions will take place at 7:30 p.m.