ATLANTA, Ga. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team concluded the South Region Crossover on Saturday afternoon with a game against West Georgia.
The Sailfish (1-1) looked to leave Atlanta with a 2-0 record, but they faced a tough test in the form of Gulf South Conference power, West Georgia (2-0). The 'Fish trailed for most of the game but made a run in the second half that cut into the Wolves' lead and made it a two-possession game. PBA's comeback came up short as UWG came out on top, 83-71.
Dan Braster led PBA in scoring with 14 points off the bench. He scored eight of his points at the free-throw line and added eight rebounds to his stat line.
Marcus Montalvo finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.
Grant Ledford tallied 11 points with five rebounds and assists.
Will Lee and
Micah Jones recorded eight points each.
The Sailfish made UWG work on offense, holding the Wolves to 40 percent shooting from the field. Unfortunately for the 'Fish, they struggled to get their shot to fall on the offensive end. PBA shot 37 percent in the game as a team, including a 35 percent mark in the second half. The Wolves won the rebounding battle, 39-29. UWG grabbed 11 offensive boards leading to 10 second-chance points.
Although the Sailfish made UWG struggle to earn open looks, PBA only forced its opponent to force eight turnovers, resulting in two points off turnovers. The Sailfish ended the game with 11 turnovers leading to eight points for the Wolves.
After trailing by 10 at halftime, the Sailfish cut into the lead coming out of the break. An old-fashioned 3-point play from Montalvo and a layup by
Ryan Claflin started the half with some PBA momentum and cut the deficit to five. A 3-pointer from Ledford kept PBA in striking distance, but the Sailfish couldn't string enough baskets together to gain an advantage. UWG held on to win, 83-69.
The Sailfish are set for their home opener on Wednesday night against Johnson. The game in Rubin Arena takes place at 7 p.m.
