TAMPA, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team started 2022 with a matchup against SSC-foe Tampa on Sunday.

The Sailfish ended 2021 with an offensive showcase against Saint Leo on Friday, but PBA's offense lacked the same firepower in today's matchup. The 'Fish hung with the Spartans through the first 30 minutes, but Tampa (7-3, 3-2 SSC) pulled away in the final 10 minutes of play. Tampa's hot 3-point shooting led the Spartans to a 91-65 win over PBA (5-9, 3-3 SSC).

Will Lee led PBA with 18 points with three triples and four rebounds. Jalen Cooper had a strong showing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Jules Jasmin added 10 points and four rebounds. Marcus Montalvo contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists off the bench.

Both teams' offenses got off to a slow start early in the contest. Montalvo injected some energy into PBA's attack with two quick buckets to make it 12-10 Tampa through the first 10 minutes of play. The Spartans went on a 12-3 run in the following five minutes as PBA struggled to convert. The Sailfish tried to regain some momentum at the end of the period. With two minutes to go in the first, a layup from Cooper started a 7-0 run for PBA which included a 3-pointer from Lee and a technical from Tampa. The Sailfish cut Tampa's lead to two, but the Spartans hit a 3-pointer on the final possession of the period to make it 34-29 at the break.

The Sailfish made a quick push after the halftime break to tie the game five minutes into the second half. Jakob Hester had a lay-in followed by an Alexander Gorton rebound and dish to Cooper who served up a fast-break dunk to tie the game at 39 at the 16-minute mark. Just when it seemed like the Sailfish shifted the game to their side, Tampa stormed back with a 12-2 run to take a 51-41 lead with just over 12 minutes to go. The Spartans never looked back, taking over the final 10 minutes of the contest. A 23-5 run later in the half by the hosts sealed the game, making it 82-58 with about three minutes to go. Tampa ended the game with a 91-65 win.

Tampa won the rebounding battle against the 'Fish, 47-30. PBA shot 38 percent in the game, including a 6-for-21 performance from 3-point range. The Sailfish only have one more turnover than Tampa, but the Spartans were better at taking advantage, scoring 22 points off PBA miscues as opposed to seven points off turnovers for the 'Fish. Tampa shot 54 percent from 3-point range in the win.

The Sailfish return home Wednesday for a contest against Florida Tech. The game at Rubin Arena takes place at 7:30 p.m.