TAMPA, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team traveled to face the University of Tampa for its last game of 2022 on Thursday.

The Sailfish looked to end the year on a high note against the Spartans, but PBA came up short against Tampa, 72-65. The outcome came down to three statistical differences, 3-point percentage, rebounding, and getting to the free-throw line. PBA shot 30 percent from 3-point range on 23 attempts while Tampa hit at a 47 percent clip on 15 attempts. The Spartans outrebounded the Sailfish 44-34 in the game, and the hosts shot 25 free throws compared to PBA's 10.

The Sailfish excelled at taking care of the ball, recording just eight turnovers as a team. Tampa recorded 17 second-chance points compared to just seven second-chance points for the Sailfish.

Reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Week, Jalen Cooper led PBA with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks. Jakob Hester returned to the Sailfish rotation, scoring 12 points off the bench with five assists, five blocks, and four rebounds. Bryce Laskey added 11 points off the bench with three triples and two rebounds. Will Lee finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

PBA led through the first 10 minutes of action, but a four-minute scoring drought from the 'Fish allowed UT to take a 28-22 lead. A bucket from Cooper at the five-minute mark of the first half got the Sailfish back on track, making it 28-24 UT.

A putback and a 3-pointer from Hester made it 30-29 Spartans with just under four minutes to play in the period. A triple from Lee with two minutes to go tied the game at 32. Two free throws at the end of the half for UT put the hosts ahead, 34-32.

A layup from Ryan Claflin opened the half for the Sailfish and tied the game at 34. Another four-minute drought on offense allowed the Spartans to take another seven-point lead. UT led by as many as 11 points with three minutes to play. A pair of 3-pointers from Laskey and a layup from Cooper got the 'Fish back in the game, making it a 64-60 game with just over two minutes to go.

Tampa led the 'Fish, 68-61 with one minute to go. A basket by Lee made it 68-63, and PBA forced a quick turnover by the Spartans. The turnover set up a shot for Laskey for three, but it was off the mark. Tampa closed the game out at the free throw line, leading to a 72-65 win for UT.

PBA returns home to play Eckerd on Jan. 1. Tip-off at Rubin Arena takes place at 4 p.m.