BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team sought its third straight win on Wednesday night against Palm Beach County rival Lynn.

The Sailfish had won five of their last six games coming into the contest but had a tough test on the road against the Fighting Knights. PBA held a nine-point lead in the second half but couldn't hold on against Lynn. Offensive rebounds and second-chance points made the difference in the game. Lynn won the rebounding battle, 38-29, including nine offensive rebounds, leading to 15 second-chance points for the Fighting Knights compared to four second-chance points for the Sailfish. Lynn fended off the 'Fish down the stretch, winning 97-92.

Grant Ledford led the Sailfish with 27 points and nine rebounds. Trent McNair filled it up with 23 points, including five 3-pointers, with six rebounds. Jamaal Walker added 17 points with two rebounds and two steals. Will Lee tallied 14 points with four rebounds and a steal. Marcus Montalvo notched 11 points, including his 1,000th career point.

The Sailfish offense started slow to begin the game. The hosts built a nine-point lead through the first 10 minutes of action. PBA adjusted on the defensive end, switching to zone and defending the hosts full court. The adjustment helped the 'Fish rattle off a 9-0 run to tie the game at 26 with 6:24 remaining in the first period. The scoring ramped up as the half wound down. Ledford knocked down a 3-pointer to make it 46-43 Lynn at halftime. The grad student totaled 18 points in the first half.

A barrage of Sailfish 3-pointers from McNair and Lee helped PBA jump out to a nine-point lead at the start of the second half. The Fighting Knights hung around and got back into the game by forcing turnovers and grabbing offensive boards while the 'Fish stuck with their zone defense. The hosts retook the lead midway through the second half. 

Both teams battled back and forth, but Lynn hit a pair of crucial 3-pointers down the stretch to take an eight-point lead with 22 seconds to go. Ledford converted on a layup and knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to three points with 14 seconds to go. Ledford stole the in-bounds pass on the next play and nearly gave PBA a chance to tie the game, but a turnover and free throws ended PBA's comeback hopes. The hosts won 97-92. Lynn's 97 points are the most points the Sailfish have surrendered in a regulation game since December.

PBA was very efficient on the offensive end, shooting 49 percent for the game, including 63 percent on 24 3-point attempts. PBA's performance from deep is the second-best percentage-wise in its DII era. The Sailfish also knocked down 17-of-18 free throws. Unfortunately for the 'Fish, Lynn matched their efficiency, shooting 53 percent from the field and 61 percent from 3-point range.

The Sailfish return home to host Tampa on Saturday. Tip-off in Rubin Arena is set for 5:00 p.m.