FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The No. 4-ranked Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team faced a tough matchup on Saturday night, falling to the No. 3-ranked Nova Southeastern University 103-82 at Rick Case Arena. Despite the defeat, the 'Fish displayed a commendable defensive effort with nine steals and seven blocks.

Preston Le Gassick was the leading scorer for PBA with  17 points, all in the second half and dishing out three assists. Graham Worland added 12 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, and snagged two steals. Christian Kirkland contributed 10 points, pulled down six rebounds, and notched four assists alongside two blocks. Blake Wilson was a defensive standout, rejecting three shots and scoring eight points with perfect shooting.

The game kicked off with the 'Fish grabbing an early lead, courtesy of a layup by Alvin Tumblin Jr., but NSU quickly turned the tide. Despite efforts from Kirkland and Worland in the paint, turnovers plagued PBA, with the team committing 10 in the first half. Worland was forced to head to the bench early with three quick fouls within the first 10 minutes of action. The 'Fish struggled from 3-point territory, missing all seven attempts.

Bench players provided a spark for PBA, contributing 20 of its 31 first-half points. The 'Fish were effective inside with 22 points in the paint, but the Sharks capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to widen their lead, ending the half with the Sailfish trailing 59-31.

In the second half, the Sailfish came out swinging, starting with a 3-pointer from Le Gassick assisted by Worland at 19:39. The momentum continued with Kirkland's layup and free throws, cutting into the deficit. Key defensive plays from Worland and Tumblin, as well as a block by Wilson, helped sustain the push.

However, NSU's consistent scoring in the paint, led by Dallas Graziani and Ross Reeves, kept them ahead. The 'Fish got contributions from several players, highlighted by a notable three-pointer from Worland at 12:08. Despite PBA outscoring NSU 51-44 in the second half, the Sharks' efficient shooting and offensive rebounding sealed the victory.

The final buzzer sounded with the scoreboard showing NSU securing a 103-82 win. The 'Fish were outshot 56 percent to 44 percent in the game. The Sailfish shot 72 percent on 29 free throw attempts. The Sailfish won the rebounding battle 42-29 in the game. NSU extends its home winning streak to 95 games.

PBA is back at home on Wednesday against Barry. The game in Rubin Arena is set for 7:30 p.m.