WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team secured a commanding 90-75 win over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Wednesday night at Rubin Arena. The 'Fish, now 23-4 overall and 15-4 in the Sunshine State Conference, took an early 12-point lead in the first half, which proved too much for the Eagles to overcome.

Leading the charge for PBA was Preston Le Gassick with 18 points and nine assists, sinking seven field goals. This marked his fourth straight game scoring at least 18 points as he broke the PBA DII-era record for single season points. Tyler Burton added 11 points, including three makes from beyond the arc, and grabbed a season-high nine rebounds alongside three steals. Kollin Claridy chipped in 12 points, hitting five of seven attempts, setting his season-high. Christian Kirkland was key on defense, pulling down seven rebounds and contributing five points with a block and a steal.

The Sailfish got off to a hot start with Burton's 3-pointer and a Trent McNair layup, seizing an early advantage. Their aggressive play capitalized on turnovers, turning them into fast-break points, exemplified by Broderick Ellis's layup at 16:16. Claridy's contributions included a crucial 3-pointer at 10:21.

The 'Fish kept their foot on the gas as the half progressed, with Blake Wilson scoring in the paint and Clay Payne delivering an emphatic dunk with 1:29 left. Payne's performance marked his third straight game with at least 8 points. Strong defensive rebounds and blocks kept ERAU at bay, and PBA ended the half up 44-31, setting a confident tone.

Kicking off the second half, the Sailfish extended their lead with Ellis's 3-pointer at 19:17, followed by Burton's layup and another 3-pointer. Defensive plays, including steals by Burton and Le Gassick, fueled their scoring bursts.

Midway through the half, PBA maintained their lead with consistent scoring from Graham Worland and Le Gassick, while solid defensive rebounds limited the Eagles' chances.

In the final moments, the 'Fish kept control, with Jakob Hester securing the lead with a layup with 31 seconds remaining, marking his second consecutive game with at least 7 points. The game wrapped up with the Sailfish outscoring ERAU 46-44 in the second half, sealing the victory.

PBA was operating efficiently all game, shooting 55 percent from the field. The Sailfish defense forced 16 ERAU turnovers leading to 24 points for the 'Fish.

With tonight's win, the Sailfish lock up the No. 2 seed in the Sunshine State Conference tournament. PBA will host the No. 7 seed on Tuesday at 7 p.m. following their regular season finale at Tampa on Saturday at 4 p.m.