WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team secured an impressive 87-70 victory over Rollins College on Saturday at Rubin Arena.
The 'Fish dominated the paint with 52 points while the bench stepped up, adding 28 points to the win, including a 21-point game from
Blake Wilson.
Graham Worland shone brightly, racking up a career-high 25 points, including five makes from beyond the arc, and snagging six rebounds.
Alvin Tumblin Jr., continuing his scoring streak, putting up 18 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting and claimed four boards. Wilson hit a career milestone with a flawless 7-of-7 from the field and sinking seven free throws.
Preston Le Gassick chipped in nine points and handed out seven assists.
Christian Kirkland was limited in minutes due to foul trouble, but he still led the team with seven rebounds.
The game started with the 'Fish establishing their dominance early, as Worland nailed a 3-pointer just 49 seconds in. Their sharp passing resulted in 14 first-half assists, and they capitalized on second-chance opportunities, netting 6 points from offensive rebounds.
On the defensive end, PBA held the Tars to just 8 points in the paint and secured 21 rebounds. Despite Rollins' attempts to narrow the margin, the Sailfish held firm, closing the first half with a 42-31 advantage. Worland led PBA at the half with 12 points and Tumblin Jr. followed with 10 points as PBA shot over 55 percent from the field.
Palm Beach Atlantic came out strong in the second half, marked by Tumblin Jr.'s layup and Worland's jumper that further solidified their grip on the game. Wilson and Le Gassick kept up the pressure, extending the 'Fish's lead. Throughout the half, PBA's efficient shooting and defensive prowess kept Rollins at bay. PBA won the rebounding battle in the game, 37-28, limiting second-chance points for the Tars and leading to extra opportunities on the offensive end.
As the half progressed, the Sailfish continued to control the scoreboard with constant pressure from the paint, highlighted by key plays from Worland and Wilson. The home team finished strong, maintaining their lead to secure a commanding 87-70 victory at the final buzzer.
The Sailfish outshot the Tars 55 percent to 35 percent in the game. Rollin's barrage of 34 3-point attempts helped keep RC in the game, but it was not enough as PBA held the visitors to 25 percent from three.
PBA hits the road for two road games next week. The Sailfish play at Eckerd on Wednesday. The game in St. Petersburg is set for 7:30 p.m.