WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team hosted a Sunshine State Conference matchup against Eckerd in Rubin Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Sailfish looked to avoid the let-down spot after upsetting No. 1-ranked Nova Southeastern for the biggest win in program history on Wednesday night. The Sailfish faithful were treated to another strong defensive performance from PBA. The SSC's top-ranked defense, in terms of points per game, held the Tritons to 61 points and 24 percent from beyond the arc. PBA picked up its third straight win, 76-61.

Joshua Ward led the offense with 20 points and five assists. Tyler Burton added 13 points with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Jamaal Walker scored 11 points with four assists and two steals. Graham Worland tallied 11 points with five boards and three dimes. Broderick Ellis recorded seven points, five rebounds, and four assists. Alvin Tumblin Jr. led the squad with 10 rebounds, five points, and two blocks.

The Sailfish shot the ball well in the first half, featuring a balanced offensive attack. Eckerd struggled to find a rhythm on offense, shooting 34 percent in the first period. A 14-4 run featured a pair of buckets from Ellis, an old-fashioned three-point play from Walker, and a triple from Worland to give PBA a 38-22 lead with 3:21 remaining in the half. Worland ended the half with another deep ball to give the 'Fish a 41-24 lead at the break.

Tumblin Jr. started the second half with an emphatic dunk to give the 'Fish a commanding 19-point lead. Eckerd chipped away at the lead, but Ward answered with back-to-back corner threes to keep the lead in double-digits. The Tritons continued to hang around with a 6-0 run cutting PBA's lead down to eight after the Sailfish cooled down from the floor. The hosts answered with two buckets from Walker and forced back-to-back turnovers to build the lead up to 15. The Sailfish held on for the 76-61 victory.

The Sailfish shot 44 percent as a team in the game, including 39 percent from beyond the arc on 26 attempts. The Tritons got to the free throw line 19 times but shot 47 percent. The Sailfish took advantage of 15 EC miscues, scoring 23 points off turnovers.

PBA hits the road on Wednesday, heading up north to face Embry-Riddle. The game in Daytona Beach takes place at 7:30 p.m.