WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team returned home to Rubin Arena to square off with the Florida Tech Panthers tonight. The Sailfish locked down the Panthers to earn a 53-48 victory which takes their record to 5-9 and 2-5 in Sunshine State Conference play.

The Sailfish took advantage of second-chance opportunities in the first quarter, as they pulled down seven offensive rebounds. Shekinah Guthrie was a force inside, pulling down four of her own in the first quarter. Sia Williams led PBA with five points while Kash Ayuso scored four as the 'Fish shot 6-of-15 from the field. The Sailfish led Florida Tech 15-12 in a game that looked like it would be a low-scoring defensive effort throughout.

PBA got a spark in the second quarter from Jahnae Midget, who returned to the lineup after missing the last two games. She scored six points in the quarter of 3-of-4 shooting as she was able to get her work done in the paint as PBA pulled down another five offensive rebounds in the quarter. The rebounding edge and forced turnovers led to PBA taking nine extra shots in the quarter and outscoring the Panthers 18-17. The Sailfish were moving the ball against the Florida Tech zone defense and created good looks from beyond the arc but were able to hit just 4-for-13 from deep in the opening half. The Sailfish still were able to hold a 33-29 lead as the two went into the half.

The Sailfish defense was the story in the third quarter as PBA was able to build a lead while holding Florida Tech to 1-of-10 from the field, eight turnovers, and two points in the entire third quarter. Alisa Marlow led the 'Fish with five points as PBA scored 13 in the third quarter while Kash Ayuso scored four of her team-high 12 points. 

PBA entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 15 point lead but their offense would go cold down the stretch as they scored just seven points in the final quarter. However, the Sailfish defense was enough to prevail down the stretch as Florida Tech was able to cut the lead four late after hitting three late three-pointers. The Sailfish were able to take care of the basketball down the stretch against Florida Tech pressure and knock down enough free throws to come away with a hard-earned win.

Williams was the lone Sailfish to join Ayuso in double figures offensively as she finished with ten points of her own. Ayuso stuffed the stat sheet as she recorded five steals, seven rebounds, and three assists. PBA was moving the ball well offensively all night, as they assisted on 16 of their 20 made baskets. 

The Sailfish will have the weekend off before heading to Boca Raton on Jan. 12 for a matchup against Lynn. The Fighting Knights are 4-6 on the season and 2-4 in SSC play.