BOCA RATON, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team (5-7, 1-3 Sunshine State) defeated Bowie State (8-3, 1-1 CIAA), 58-50, at the Lynn Holiday Classic, aided by a strong defensive effort that included 10 steals and 6 blocks.

KB Hadley scored a season-high 21 points and collected six rebounds, while adding three assists and two steals. Darria Whitley made four 3-pointers, contributing to her total of 12 points and recorded two steals. Anabel Ellison posted 14 points and led the team with five assists, alongside three steals and two blocks. Breeje Schuler added eight points, converted five free throws, and registered three blocks with two steals.

The game opened with the Sailfish facing an early challenge as Bowie St. established a 4-0 lead. The 'Fish responded with a three-pointer by Whitley at 7:25, assisted by Ellison, narrowing the gap. Despite efforts from the Sailfish, including a layup by Ellison at 1:22 and a jumper by Hadley at 0:44, Bowie St. maintained their lead throughout the first quarter. The quarter concluded with PBA trailing 17-11.

The Sailfish turned things around from that moment on. 

The Sailfish seized momentum early in the second quarter with Whitley's three-pointer at 9:40, assisted by Hadley, to reduce the deficit. Ellison added to the push with a jumper in the paint, as the team capitalized on defensive stops and turnovers. Schuler's free throws at 6:12 gave the 'Fish a slim lead amidst a tightly contested quarter.

Later, the Sailfish extended their advantage with a fast-break layup by Ellison at 5:16, aided by Hadley. Whitley then nailed another three-pointer with 59 seconds left, further solidifying their position. PBA outscored Bowie St. 20-8 in the quarter, entering halftime with a 31-25 lead.

The 'Fish gained momentum midway through the third quarter with a key defensive play by Schuler, who blocked a shot, leading to a fast-break jumper by Hadley at 7:44, extending their lead. Later, at 4:00, Schuler struck again with a 3-pointer, assisted by Whitley, widening the gap further. The visitors closed the quarter strong with a 3-pointer from Maren McCallister at 1:52, followed by a steal and layup by Ellison at 0:32, bringing their quarter score to 16. The Sailfish headed into the final frame with a 12 point lead, 47-35. 

The Sailfish maintained a steady lead through the fourth quarter, highlighted by a big 3-pointer from Ellison at 7:23, assisted by Hadley, to extend their advantage. Despite turnovers, the 'Fish capitalized on fast breaks and defensive stops, including a pivotal steal by Anaya Smith at 5:30 leading to a score by Hadley. Bowie St. managed to narrow the gap towards the end, but the Sailfish secured the win with a final score of 58-50.

The Sailfish head on Christmas break and return to the floor when they head to Florida Southern on New Year's Eve.