BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team took a short trip down south to face off against Shaw in a neutral-court showdown. In a close game throughout the opening half, the Sailfish dominated the third quarter to take control of the game and win 74-53. The win takes PBA to 6-3 on the season.
The Sailfish got off to a quick start to start the game as they jumped out to an 8-0.
Alma Danielsson and
Dallas Carter each knocked down an early three-pointer as PBA was 3-for-8 from behind the arc. PBA was 0-of-5 from two in the first ten minutes but got to the line six times and converted on five. They held the Bears to 32 percent from the floor but trailed by one 15-14 in a defensive opening quarter.
The offenses came to life in the second quarter of play as each side scored over 20 points. PBA was led by Carter who scored eight points in the second as she hit a three and made five free throws. Just like they began the game, the 'Fish started the quarter with a 10-2 run to retake the lead before the Bears battled back to tie the game at 35 at the half.
The third quarter of the game was completely one-sided as PBA took total control of the game. They outscored the Bears 23-6 to jump ahead led by a balanced PBA offensive attack as five different Sailfish scored a basket. Danielsson and
Jillian Schenk each led the way with six points each as they each hit two threes. PBA shot 56 percent from the floor and hit five threes while they held Shaw to 17 percent in the quarter.
After taking the big lead the Sailfish didn't look back as they went on to win the fourth quarter and secure the 21-point victory. Four different Sailfish scored in double-figures led by Carter who finished with 14. Schenk added 12, Danielsson 11, and
Maria Benitez-Zayas scored 10 while
Mariyah Fletcher finished one point shy of another double-double as she pulled down 10 rebounds. It was one of PBA's best shooting performances of the year as they hit a season-high 12 threes and shot 44 percent from the floor. The Sailfish held the Bears to 33 percent shooting and had 16 steals led by Benitez-Zayas who had four.
The Sailfish have a quick turnaround as they play their last game before the holiday break. They will host Texas A&M International on Monday at 2 pm at Rubin Arena.
