WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team played its first home contest of the 2023-24 season on Wednesday night against Johnson.
The Sailfish asserted dominance early and never looked back. PBA leaped to a 62-19 lead and halftime and never looked back. The 'Fish finished the night with the second-most points scored in a game in the program's DII era. The Sailfish dominated Johnson, winning their home opener, 114-64.
Micah Jones starred in his Sailfish debut. The freshman scored 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting in the game.
Dan Braster notched 14 points with six rebounds and three blocks.
Jamaal Walker came off the bench for 12 points with six rebounds and two assists.
Bryce Laskey scored 11 points with three 3-pointers.
Grant Ledford tallied 10 points with six boards.
Will Lee totaled nine points with six assists.
Marcus Montalvo,
Trent McNair, and
Broderick Ellis recorded nine points each. Ellis added eight rebounds to his stat line.
Braster led the PBA offense in the first half, scoring 10 points with six rebounds. Montalvo notched nine points in the opening period. The Sailfish offense shot an efficient 58 percent in the half, including a 40 percent mark from 3-point range. The PBA defense forced Johnson into 13 turnovers, resulting in 18 points off turnovers. The Suns were held to 25 percent from the field in the half. A 3-pointer from Laskey gave the 'Fish a 62-19 lead at the break.
The Sailfish continued to pour it on the second half. Jones shined in the second half, getting to the rim at will and converting on layups. Jones scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half. PBA shot 53 percent from the field in the period. Johnson's shooting percentage improved in the second half, but PBA still forced 10 turnovers in the period. The Sailfish cruised to a 114-64 win.
PBA outshot Johnson 56 percent to 36 percent in the game. The Sailfish dominated the battle of the boards 50-31.
PBA competes again on Friday night against Florida National. The game in Rubin Arena is set for 7 p.m.
