WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team returned home for a matchup against Tampa on Saturday.

The Sailfish (15-8, 9-6 SSC) overcame an early deficit to come back and gut out a win over the Spartans. UT (7-16, 3-12 SSC) cut the PBA lead to three points with a minute left, but some crucial stops and made free throws allowed the 'Fish to hold onto an 88-80 win. With today's win, PBA completes the season sweep over Tampa. The Sailfish are back in sole possession of third place in the Sunshine State Conference.

Jamaal Walker led PBA with 22 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Will Lee tallied 21 points, including five 3-pointers with three assists. Marcus Montalvo and Trent McNair added 14 points each. Montalvo grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists. McNair swiped three steals on the defensive end. Grant Ledford finished with 10 points with five assists.

The first half consisted of sharpshooting by both teams. The three-ball helped Tampa take a 10-point lead through the first 10 minutes of action. The Sailfish answered with some trays of their own from McNair, Montalvo, and Walker. A 9-0 run, including two Tampa turnovers, helped the 'Fish tie the game at 29 with 5:42 remaining in the first half. A 3-pointer from JJ Hayes put PBA back in front, helping the 'Fish secure a 49-46 lead at halftime.

Both teams shot over 50 percent from 3-point range in the period. Walker notched 18 points in the first half on 6-of-8 shooting. The Sailfish defense forced 10 turnovers in the period, leading to 16 points.

A stout defense from the Sailfish led to some potent offense to start the second half. A 3-pointer from Lee gave the 'Fish a 69-52 lead with 12 minutes to play. Tampa refused to roll over, forcing some PBA turnovers to get back into the game. The Spartans cut the deficit to three down the stretch, but the 'Fish held on to win 87-80.

PBA's defense held Tampa to a 40 percent field goal percentage in the half after the Spartans shot 60 percent in the first half. The 'Fish scored 16 more points off turnovers in the period. Lee led PBA with 11 points in the half.

The Sailfish shot 50 percent from 3-point range in the game (10-for-20). The rebounding battle in the game was tied at 31. PBA forced 18 Tampa turnovers, leading to 32 points.

PBA competes again at home on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. against Florida Tech.