SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team concluded 2024 with a game against Ashland at the Saint Leo Christmas Classic.
After winning against Alaska Fairbanks at the buzzer on Friday night, the Sailfish had a quick turnaround against the Eagles on Saturday. The Eagles quickly built a 20-point lead in the first half due to several Sailfish turnovers. PBA got the game down to single digits in the second half, but the comeback came up short. The Sailfish suffered their second loss of the season, falling to Ashland 80-64.
Joshua Ward led PBA's offense with 20 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.
Graham Worland notched a double-double, scoring 13 points with 10 boards.
Jakob Hester added nine points on a pair of boards.
Tyler Burton finished with eight points and a pair of assists.
Ashland scored five buckets off turnovers and knocked down three 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes of action, taking a 15-point lead. PBA turned the ball over 12 times in the half, and Ashland took advantage, scoring 18 points off Sailfish miscues. The Eagle offense ran efficiently, shooting 60 percent from the field. Ward notched nine points in the half, but PBA shot 32 percent in the half, allowing the Eagles to lead 48-24 at the half.
The Sailfish offense shot the ball much better in the second half, but turnovers continued to cause issues. The Sailfish got hot from 3-point range, converting on 8-of-17 attempts in the half to chip away at the lead. Triples from Ward and Burton made it a 72-64 game with 2:05 remaining. Unfortunately for the 'Fish, the comeback came up short, dropping the game, 80-64.
PBA was outshot in the game, 52 percent to 40 percent. The Sailfish did win the rebounding battle 34-27, including 13 offensive boards leading to 13 points. The Eagles finished the game with 26 points off turnovers in the game.
The Sailfish finish nonconference play with a 7-1 record and a 10-2 overall record. The 'Fish return to Sunshine State Conference play in 2025, traveling to Saint Leo for a matchup against the Lions on Jan. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
