WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team (8-9, 4-5 Sunshine State) took down Rollins College (5-11, 0-9 Sunshine State) at Rubin Arena by 39 points, 79-40. The highest margin of victory in a conference matchup in program history.
Breeje Schuler was unstoppable, leading the charge with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and adding two blocks and two steals to her stellar night.
Darria Whitley lit up from beyond the arc, scoring 17 points with five 3-pointers, and snagging two steals.
KB Hadley was the playmaker, dishing out five assists and grabbing five boards.
Anabel Ellison chipped in with 13 points, hitting five of six from the line and pulling down four rebounds.
Natalie Allen saw significant minutes in this game and it led to a career high eight points for the sophomore.
The 'Fish came out strong in the first quarter, with
Maddie Wallhoff drilling a 3-pointer at 7:20 thanks to an assist from Hadley. Ellison added crucial points, including a layup at 5:08 and a jumper at 1:56 to stretch the lead. Whitley nailed a key 3-pointer at 1:19, assisted by Ellison, solidifying PBA's lead. The quarter wrapped up with the Sailfish on top, 14–8.
PBA kept their foot on the gas in the second quarter, starting with a 3-pointer from Schuler at 9:15, assisted by Whitley. The home team kept rolling as Ellison scored on a fastbreak layup at 6:07, showcasing their offensive prowess. Khalia Whoodley added a clutch 3-pointer at 3:03, widening the gap. Despite Rollins' push, the 'Fish closed the quarter with authority, leading 34-23 after a 20-point quarter.
The third quarter saw PBA tighten their grip on the game with a commanding 20-11 run. Schuler was pivotal, starting with a tip-in and later scoring a fastbreak layup off a steal. Hadley kept the pressure on with a 3-pointer and a fastbreak finish. Rollins couldn't close the gap as PBA's defensive intensity forced seven turnovers. The quarter ended with the Sailfish sailing ahead 54-34 as they headed into the final stretch.
In the fourth quarter, the Sailfish put on a clinic. Schuler set the tone with a layup assisted by Hadley at 9:30 and followed up with back-to-back 3-pointers, leading a 25-point explosion in the quarter. Whitley continued the onslaught with key 3-pointers, while the 'Fish defense smothered Rollins' offense, allowing just six points. The game concluded with Palm Beach Atlantic cruising to a commanding 79–40 victory.
The Sailfish return to the floor on Wednesday with a tough test on the road at Eckerd. The Tritons are 12-4 on the year with a 7-2 conference record. Eckerd is coming off a 58-54 win at home against Florida Southern. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. in St. Petersburg.