LAKELAND, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team (12-1, 4-1 Sunshine State Conference) fell to Florida Southern College (11-3, 3-1 SSC) with a final score of 101-85 at Jenkins Field House on Wednesday night. The loss marks PBA's first of the season.

Alvin Tumblin posted a career-high total of 33 points and secured 12 rebounds, leading the 'Fish offensively. Preston Le Gassick contributed with 20 points, including three 3-pointers and four assists. Christian Kirkland added 13 points, recorded four blocks, and collected 10 rebounds, bolstering the team's defense. Despite the loss, the Sailfish scored 52 points in the paint and had seven blocks, contributing to a competitive effort on the road.

PBA began the first half with an early 4-2 lead, thanks to Tumblin's scoring inside the paint. Despite their efforts, the 'Fish struggled to maintain momentum, facing defensive pressure that led to nine turnovers in the half. Le Gassick added a three-pointer at the midway point, but the team faced challenges in closing the scoring gap.

FSC capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities, extending their lead significantly. PBA managed to cut into the lead briefly with contributions from Tumblin, who scored 10 points in the half, and Jakob Hester, who added a layup in the final minutes. The half concluded with the 'Fish trailing 49-26. PBA's offense was held to 36 percent shooting from the field in the half.

In the second half, PBA started to close the gap with a series of effective plays. Tumblin initiated a scoring drive with a layup at 18:48 and continued his contribution with a fast-break dunk, assisted by Le Gassick, at 16:25. Kirkland added defensive pressure, highlighted by a block at 14:35, and contributed offensively with a putback at 3:18. Despite these efforts, the Mocs maintained their lead with some timely 3-pointers that stymied Sailfish momentum.

The Sailfish fought to reduce the deficit with Blake Wilson scoring consecutive free throws at 7:32, and Kirkland's offensive rebounds leading to key tip-ins. However, the Mocassins' consistent scoring and defensive stops allowed them to keep the lead. The half concluded with a 59–52 advantage for the Mocs, with PBA's efforts cutting into the lead but falling short.

PBA is back in action next week against Embry-Riddle. The Sailfish travel to Daytona Beach on Wednesday with a tip-off time of 7:30 p.m.