LAKELAND, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team tipped off its first game in 11 months on Saturday, traveling to face the Florida Southern Mocs.
 
The Sailfish had a strong start to the game, resulting in a 38-33 lead going into halftime; however, the FSC (1-0) offense came alive in the second half. PBA had no answer for the Mocs' potent offense down the stretch as FSC won the game 92-77.
 
Dan Largey led the 'Fish in scoring with 20 points and seven rebounds. Alexander Gorton was not far behind with 17 points of his own, shooting 50 percent from the field. Jules Jasmin grabbed eight boards to lead the 'Fish in rebounding to go with 12 points. Newcomer Nate Ward tallied 10 points of his own in his Sailfish debut.
 
It did not take long for the Sailfish to shake off the rust after their long layoff. PBA (0-1) started the game on a 9-3 run with two layups from Largey and a bucket from Jasmin. PBA held the lead for 19 of the first 20 minutes of the ballgame. With nine minutes left in the first period, a Largey 3-pointer and a fast-break layup from Gorton made it 25-15 PBA. FSC trimmed the PBA lead to one with a minute and a half remaining in the first half, but the 'Fish contained the Mocs' run with buckets from Jalen Cooper and Largey closing the half.
 
Gorton led the Sailfish attack coming out of the break, scoring eight of PBA's first 11 points in the period. The 'Fish held a 52-45 lead with 15 minutes left in the game, but that's when FSC began to make its run. The Mocs made their next eight field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers to jump out to a 67-61 lead at the 10-minute mark. FSC never looked back, extending its lead to 19 after an 18-6 run made it 87-68 with two and a half minutes remaining. The Sailfish fought back with a 9-0 run, but it was too little too late as FSC won 92-77.
 
The game was truly a tale of two halves. PBA held FSC to a 37 percent field goal percentage in the first half, but the Mocs were scorching hot in the second half, shooting 83 percent from the field. Despite FSC's hot hand, PBA won the battle of the boards 41-37. The 'Fish forced 19 turnovers as opposed to 17 forced turnovers for FSC, but the Mocs took better advantage scoring 27 points off turnovers compared to 18 for PBA.
 
The Sailfish are scheduled to compete at home in Rubin Arena on Monday. Tip-off is schedule for 6:00 p.m. and can be watch on the Sailfish Sports Network.