WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team returned home to Rubin Arena to take on Saint Leo today. The shorthanded Sailfish were able to shut down the Lions offense on their way to a 50-47 victory. PBA's record moves to 9-6 overall and 3-4 in Sunshine State Conference play with the win.

The Sailfish jumped out to a narrow lead early as they came out of the gates shooting 6-of-15 from the field in the opening quarter. Jillian Schenk got a quick five points while Mariyah Fletcher scored four in the quarter. The 'Fish defense limited the visiting Lions to 33 percent, forcing five turnovers as PBA led 13-11.

PBA was forced into a seven-player rotation today due to injuries and the group's offense went quiet in the second quarter. The Sailfish went 2-for-18 from the field as Fletcher and Schenk scored the lone baskets and each had three second-quarter points. The Lions had their best offense stretch of the game as they outscored PBA 16-7 in the quarter to lead 27-20 at the half.

The 'Fish have been a second-half team throughout conference play so far this season and they came out with another strong third quarter today. Ashleigh Boulin led the way down low as she scored eight of her team-high 13 points in the quarter. She would go on to add 11 rebounds for a double-double as she finished shooting an efficient 6-of-11 from the field. Kash Ayuso added ten points in the second half as the two propelled the Sailfish back into the game and into the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

Back-to-back Karyzma Pierre jump shots put the Sailfish up 47-42 with three minutes remaining. A Saint Leo basket cut the PBA lead to one but Ayuso hit two clutch free throws and the Sailfish locked down the visitors on the final possession to escape with a three-point victory.

PBA shot just 32 percent from the floor and hit on 3-of-13 from three, however, they won the turnover margin as they forced 22 Lions giveaways. PBA held Saint Leo to 38 percent from the floor for the game and their second-lowest scoring output of the season with 47 points.

The Sailfish will remain home as they next welcome Lynn to Rubin Arena on Wednesday. The Fighting Knights are 7-5 on the season and 2-2 in SSC play.