MORROW, Ga.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball fell to Clayton State on Tuesday, 56-55, after a tightly contested game that saw 13 ties and 10 lead changes. The Sailfish scored 40 points in the paint but were unable to take the win.

KB Hadley finished with a double-double, scoring 13 points and collecting 13 rebounds, alongside a notable four steals. Blanche Toualeu added 10 points, successfully converting five of her ten attempts from the field. Breeje Schuler contributed nine points and recorded two assists. Anaya Smith also posted nine points, making four of her six field goal attempts.

The 'Fish opened against Clayton State with a competitive first quarter, exchanging leads four times. Smith scored twice inside the paint early on, with assists from Ellison and Schuler, keeping the score close. Schuler's 3-pointer at 3:29 gave the 'Fish a narrow lead, but Clayton State responded, closing the quarter with a slim 15–11 advantage.

Hadley led the 'Fish offense with crucial plays in the second quarter, including a layup that narrowed the gap to one point at 6:19. Smith contributed with a layup at 3:04, leveling the score at 22-22. The period saw the Sailfish take the lead with Ellison's pair of free throws at 1:10, bringing the score to 26-25. Despite a late free throw by Clayton State tying the game, the quarter ended with both teams even at 26-26. The second quarter concluded with the 'Fish outscoring Clayton State 15-11, leaving the game tied at halftime.

The Sailfish seized control in the third quarter with a decisive 7–0 run that began at the 6:29 mark, highlighted by Toualeu's layup to tie the game at 33. This momentum was further solidified by Maren McCallister's layup at 5:33, pushing the lead to 38–33. Palm Beach Atl. maintained their advantage by dominating the paint with 12 points and securing 15 rebounds in the quarter. Despite a late surge from Clayton State, the 'Fish ended the quarter ahead, 43–40, setting the stage for the final quarter.

The 'Fish began the fourth quarter with a slight edge, as Hadley scored a jumper at 8:59 to take a three-point lead. Despite Khalia Whoodley's defensive efforts, including a block and defensive rebound, the Sailfish struggled to maintain momentum, facing a series of defensive stops and turnovers. As the quarter progressed, the 'Fish managed to regain the lead with Toualeu's layup at 2:35, assisted by Schuler. However, Clayton State responded with a layup and two free throws in the final minute, pulling ahead. Schuler had a look from deep to tie the game but just missed and the rebound came to Hadley who made a turnaround jumper to bring the Sailfish within one but time expired on the shot and the Sailfish ultimately lost by one point.

The Sailfish return to the court on Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Ft. Lauderdale where they take on Georgian Court at the NSU Thanksgiving Classic.