WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team faced a tough test at home on Wednesday night in the form of No. 2-ranked Nova Southeastern.

The Sharks entered today's game with a perfect 16-0 overall record in the 2021-22 season with a defense that averaged 26.5 forced turnovers per game. PBA's (5-13, 5-7 SSC) Will Lee led the 'Fish with 16 points, but unfortunately, it was not enough to put NSU (17-0, 12-0 SSC) on upset alert. The Sharks led wire-to-wire, 96-74.

12 of Lee's 16 points came from beyond the arc. Alexander Gorton played well, finishing with 15 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field with 10 rebounds. Jules Jasmin added 12 points, converting on 6-of-9 attempts with four rebounds and three assists. Jakob Hester scored eight points with three blocks and a steal. Nate Ward contributed eight points off the bench with three rebounds.

As expected, the Sharks started the game with a high-pressure full-court defense which was effective early, forcing PBA into two turnovers on its first four possessions. The Sailfish adjusted and beat the press a few times, resulting in a few layups for Hester, Jasmin, and Gorton. A 3-pointer from Lee made it 28-19 Nova Southeastern through the first 10 minutes of action. The Sailfish hung around with the Sharks for the majority of the half, but the final 3 minutes of the period got out of hand. NSU ended the half on a 10-0 run leading 58-32 at the break.

The Sharks led for the entirety of the second half, although PBA did outscore NSU in the second period, 42-38. Jasmin had eight of his 12 points in the second period. Marcus Montalvo and Ward each totaled six points in the half. The Sharks finished off PBA with a 96-74 win.

NSU hurt the 'Fish the most by shooting 53 percent on 30 attempts from 3-point range. PBA did a better job getting to the line, shooting 19 free throws compared to four attempts for the visitors. PBA also won the rebounding battle in the game, 36-34. NSU outscored the Sailfish in points off turnovers 22-12 despite just winning the forced turnover margin, 17-14.

The Sailfish play again at home on Saturday. PBA hosts SSC-foe Florida Tech with the game at Rubin Arena starting at 4:00 pm.