WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team secured an 82-77 victory over Florida Southern at Rubin Arena on Thursday night in the Sunshine State Conference semifinals. With tonight's win, the Sailfish earned a trip to the SSC tournament championship for the second time in program history.

The matchup went down to the wire. Preston Le Gassick knocked down a pair of free throws to give PBA a 78-77 lead with 42 seconds to play. Christian Kirkland made the play of the game, flying in the air to reject a layup attempt by the Mocs to keep the 'Fish ahead. Blake Wilson nailed a pair of free throws to make it a 3-point game with 17 seconds to go. FSC had another chance to tie it with a three, but Kirkland came through again. He deflected an entry-pass leading to a Moc turnover to seal the game for PBA.

Le Gassick led the charge with 26 points, hitting five 3-pointers, and snagged three steals. Graham Worland added 19 points, making 7 of 9 field goals, and pulled down five rebounds. Tyler Burton, on a streak of scoring at least 12 points in three straight games, finished with 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and contributed two assists. Wilson added 16 points off the bench with three boards. Kirkland anchored the defense with five blocks and six rebounds.

The first half saw the 'Fish take an early lead, highlighted by Worland's jumper in the opening seconds. PBA's offense was on point, with Le Gassick sinking a 3-pointer at the 18:40 mark and Burton adding another at 17:34, expanding the margin.

Defensively, the 'Fish were solid, notching four blocks, including a standout block by Kirkland at 17:01. Fast breaks were key, with Clay Payne's dunk at 15:38, assisted by Le Gassick, continuing his streak of at least 8 points in six consecutive games. The half wrapped up with the 'Fish holding a five-point lead, 41–36 over FSC.

In the second half, both teams traded leads, but the 'Fish held the upper hand with strategic plays. Le Gassick's early jumper kept the score close. As the game progressed, Worland and Blake Wilson each nailed crucial 3-pointers, extending PBA's lead.

Despite Florida Southern's attempts to close the gap, the 'Fish's defense, highlighted by another Kirkland block, kept them in control. In the final minute, Le Gassick and Wilson sealed the victory with clutch free throws, ensuring the 'Fish finished the game ahead. The half concluded with the 'Fish on top, 82–77.

This win marks the fifth consecutive game in which the 'Fish have scored at least 82 points. Matching the Mocs with 10 three-pointers and recording seven blocks, PBA maintained their edge throughout the game.

The Sailfish held the Mocs to 43 percent shooting from the field. The 'Fish shot 50 percent from the field, including 46 percent from 3-point range.

The No. 12-ranked Sailfish take on the No. 1 ranked Nova Southeastern Sharks on Sunday at 4 p.m. PBA seeks its first SSC championship in program history.