WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The No. 8-ranked Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team fell to Barry 80-68 on Wednesday night at Rubin Arena. Despite a balanced scoring effort, with both teams putting up 32 points in the paint, Barry's sharp shooting from beyond the arc made the difference.

Preston Le Gassick led the charge with 18 points and three assists, playing a pivotal role in the Sailfish's offense. Alvin Tumblin Jr. added 15 points, three blocks, and collected nine rebounds, while Tyler Burton nailed three 3-pointers and snagged two steals, bolstering the team's defense. Trent McNair was a force on defense with two blocks and two steals, setting a season high with seven defensive rebounds, crucial for controlling the boards.

PBA had a slow start on the offensive end while the Bucs came out energized. Tumblin Jr. made his mark early with a free throw and layup, backed by a three-pointer from Graham Worland at 17:41, keeping the game competitive.

Barry answered back with sharp perimeter shooting, draining six three-pointers in the half. Burton hit a three-pointer at 10:06 to cut the deficit, and Le Gassick chipped in with a layup at 3:02 as the 'Fish tried to close the gap. The Sailfish ended the half with a fast-break dunk by Tumblin Jr. at 0:41, going into halftime down 40-31 to the Bucs.

In the second half, the 'Fish opened with a Burton 3-pointer assisted by Christian Kirkland, narrowing the gap early. The team showed resilience with Tumblin's defensive block and Le Gassick's fast-break layup. PBA fought all the way back with a 3-pointer by Graham Worland tying the game at 52 with 10:34 remaining. 

Despite these efforts, the Sailfish struggled to maintain momentum as the Buccaneers countered with a series of successful free throws and perimeter shots. A 11-3 run, including a four-point play, put the visitors back up, 66-55. 

The 'Fish tried to bounce back again, shortening the gap down to four, but they failed to take advantage of some opportunities on the offensive end. Barry closed out the game with the 'Fish trailing 80-68.

PBA was outshot 48 percent to 39 percent from the field. PBA was held to 33 percent from three on 18 attempts. The Sailfish won the rebounding battle, 40-35, including 13 offensive boards.

The Sailfish look to bounce back on Saturday at Lynn. The game in Boca Raton, Florida, starts at 4:00 p.m.