WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team notched an impressive win on Wednesday night, defeating Tampa 82-70 at Rubin Arena. 

PBA (16-1, 7-1 SSC) entered the game as the No. 6-ranked team in the NABC top 25 and tied for first in the Sunshine State Conference. The 'Fish showed dominance on the boards, grabbing a season-high 37 defensive rebounds and out-rebounding the Spartans (9-6, 3-5 SSC) 52-35, which was key to their victory.

Preston Le Gassick was a standout performer with 25 points, hitting four from beyond the arc and sinking 5-of-6 free throws. Alvin Tumblin Jr. delivered a stellar double-double, scoring 19 points alongside a season-high 14 rebounds. Graham Worland chipped in 13 points, including three crucial 3-pointers, while reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Week Christian Kirkland bolstered the defense with three blocks and contributed three assists. 

The 'Fish came out strong, taking an early 3-0 lead thanks to Tumblin Jr.'s layup and free throw within the first minute. Though they faced some early turnovers and missed chances, PBA stayed cool under pressure, with Le Gassick making key layups to keep the score tight.

Palm Beach Atlantic hit its stride midway through the half. A pivotal 3-pointer from Worland and another from Le Gassick, combined with solid defensive rebounding, helped them seize the lead. Trent McNair and Kollin Claridy made impactful plays, including a fast-break layup that tied it at 17-17, before gradually pulling ahead.

As the first half wound down, the Sailfish cemented their lead with a flurry of successful shots, highlighted by a dunk from Clay Payne and a buzzer-beater slam by Tumblin Jr. The half wrapped up with PBA leading 39-29, setting a strong tone for the remainder of the game.

The 'Fish started the second half with a quick scoring burst, ignited by Tumblin Jr.'s layup at 19:43. A series of successful inside plays, including a layup from Le Gassick at 19:09, kept the offensive rhythm going. Kirkland's assists and rebounds further fueled the team's momentum.

PBA expanded its lead as Worland and Le Gassick nailed key shots, with Worland adding a three-pointer at 9:16. Despite Tampa's efforts to close the gap with fast breaks and free throws, the 'Fish's staunch defense, highlighted by Jakob Hester's block and his season-high 5 assists, kept the Spartans at bay.

In the final minutes, Tumblin Jr. and Le Gassick added crucial points, including Tumblin Jr.'s dagger 3-pointer at 1:28, sealing the game for the 'Fish. The game concluded with Palm Beach Atlantic ahead 82-70, after outscoring Tampa 43-41 in the second half.

Both teams finished even shooting-wise from the field, but PBA found an edge from deep. Tampa struggled from downtown, shooting 5-for-24 while the Sailfish converted on 10-of-29 attempts. PBA scored 22 second-chance points off 15 offensive rebounds. 

The Sailfish host Rollins at home on Saturday. The game in Rubin Arena is set for 4 p.m.