LAKELAND, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team traveled to face Florida Southern in its regular season finale on Friday.
 
The Sailfish were shorthanded in the game, sitting all five usual starters. PBA's other rotation players stepped up to fill enhanced roles. Three of the five PBA (2-4) starters were making their first start as Sailfish. PBA's seven-man rotation held their own against the Mocs, who were competing at full strength. The 'Fish trailed by just 10 with six minutes remaining in the game, but ultimately FSC (4-4) pulled away to win 81-65.
 
Jalen Cooper led the 'Fish with a career-high 15 points to go with eight rebounds and two blocks. Jonathan Philistin was right behind with 14 points of his own, also a career high. Jack Scott came off the bench to add a career high 11 points and five rebounds. Matthew Johnson flirted with a double-double, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds. Casey Carpinello tallied nine points, five rebounds and a block. This was the last regular season game for seniors Johnson and Carpinello.
 
The Sailfish came out energized, matching the effort of the Mocs and taking a 19-17 lead through the first ten minutes of action. FSC pulled away towards the end of the period, but a layup by Philistin cut the deficit to 13 before the break. Philistin led PBA with eight points in the half, and Scott finished the period with six points of his own.
 
PBA remained within striking distance early in the second period. The 'Fish began to make their run with 13 minutes left in the game. A 3-pointer by Scott and a layup from Johnson started a 9-4 run by PBA which was punctuated by a Ryan More triple to make it 62-54 at the 10-minute mark. Minutes later, buckets from Cooper and Philistin made it a seven-point game as the contest reached the eight-minute mark. Unfortunately for PBA, the Mocs answered the Sailfish run with several 3-pointers down the stretch to regain their comfortable lead. FSC stayed ahead until the final buzzer sealed the 81-65 win.
 
The Sailfish were only outscored by one point in the second half. The 'Fish shot 41 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free throw line. PBA outscored the Mocs in the paint with 38 points.
 
PBA drew the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Sunshine State Conference tournament. The Sailfish have a first-round bye in the tournament and are scheduled to host the winner of FSC vs. Rollins on Thursday, March 18.