WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball returned to Rubin Arena to face Florida Southern for the second time this season. Previously this year, the Sailfish went to Lakeland and came away with a 79-63 victory over the Mocassins. Today, the Sailfish led throughout the first half before the game tightened late. The 'Fish prevailed 61-56 to move their record to 10-9 overall and 4-7 in Sunshine State Conference play.

PBA jumped out to a quick advantage, as they got strong contributions throughout the lineup. Still shorthanded, the 'Fish received an early spark from their depleted bench as Claire Davis scored nine points in the opening quarter as she hit on four of her first five shots from the field. Ashleigh Boulin and Mariyah Fletcher were strong down low against bigger opponents from FSC as the tandem combined for nine points and five rebounds in the quarter. PBA shot over 60 percent as they built a 25-15 lead. 

The Mocs worked their way back into the game before the half as PBA's strong shooting start cooled off. The Sailfish shot just 1-of-6 from three and went 0-of-6 from the charity stripe which would be a theme for the 'Fish throughout the game. PBA led 38-32 at the half.

The second half of play turned into a grind as both teams struggled on the offensive end. PBA's offense was left to Kash Ayuso who once again answered the call in the second half. She went on to score eight points in the third and fourth quarters for the Sailfish and finished with a game-high 24 points. 

After an even third quarter, a 6-0 run from the visitors at the beginning of the fourth quarter pulled them within two points. An Ayuso basket and a Fletcher free throw stopped the run and pushed PBA back up by five with five minutes remaining. FSC tied the game at 54 with three minutes left but Ayuso would close with six points to propel the 'Fish. 

PBA left 12 points at the free throw line as they converted on just 7-of-19 attempts. The Sailfish shot 43 percent from the field overall and 25 percent from three but PBA was strong defensively, holding the Mocs to 32 percent.

Boulin was the lone Sailfish to finish in double-figures alongside Ayuso as she finished the day with a 10-point and 11-rebound double-double. Fletcher pulled down 10 boards and added seven points while Jillian Schenk hit three shots from deep, scoring nine points.

Up next, PBA stays home for a home matchup against the Barry Bucs. The Sailfish let the game get away from them when the two sides met earlier this season, ultimately falling 75-64.