DAVIE, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's basketball team faced off against Nova Southeastern on Sunday at the Rick Case Arena for the Sunshine State Conference tournament championship game. 

The Sailfish were in prime position to take home the trophy. PBA led by three points with just over five seconds left. A foul sent the 'Fish to the free throw line. Unfortunately for PBA, the 'Fish came up empty. NSU took the rebound down the court and their deep last-second heave was good at the buzzer to tie the game at 75. The Sharks rode the momentum in overtime, winning 92-85. 

Despite leading 16 times and achieving a season-high 57 rebounds, the 'Fish couldn't overcome the Sharks' knack for capitalizing on turnovers.

Blake Wilson shone bright with a season-high 22 points and 13 rebounds, leading Palm Beach Atlantic in both categories. Graham Worland contributed 19 points, 10 boards, and sank five 3-pointers. Christian Kirkland was flawless from the field, hitting all six attempts to finish with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Preston Le Gassick finished with 12 points from the field.

The game started with the 'Fish finding their groove early, thanks to a three-pointer from Le Gassick at 17:58. Kirkland's strong paint presence kept the 'Fish competitive, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half.

Worland tied the game with a jumper at 1:03, setting up a thrilling finish to the half. Wilson's layup and subsequent free throw with 26 seconds left gave the Sailfish a narrow lead, wrapping up the first half at 33-32 in favor of Palm Beach Atlantic.

In the second half, the Sailfish came out focused. Tyler Burton's layup, assisted by Le Gassick, maintained their edge, while Kirkland's free throws extended the lead. NSU fought back with a layup from Ross Reeves, but Wilson and Worland answered to keep the 'Fish in front.

The 'Fish kept pressing forward, with Jakob Hester adding to the score. Despite NSU tying it up at 50-50 midway, the 'Fish regained momentum with Le Gassick's 3-pointer and Wilson's free throw, holding a slight lead.

In the final moments, Burton and Worland hit crucial 3-pointers, strengthening their position. Even though the Sharks made a late push, including a buzzer-beater from Reeves, the half ended tied at 75-75.

The Sailfish kicked off overtime with a Kirkland tip-in for a slim lead. Wilson's free throws extended the cushion; However, turnovers began to disrupt PBA's rhythm, allowing NSU to briefly take the lead.

Worland's vital three-pointer, assisted by Kirkland, put the 'Fish back on top. Yet, a series of turnovers and defensive slips let the Sharks rally, with a late three-pointer and free throws sealing the deal for NSU. Despite the 'Fish's relentless effort, the game ended with NSU ahead 92-85.

PBA will find out their seeding for the NCAA regional tournament Sunday night at 11 p.m. PBA is set to return to play at NSU next Saturday. Time and opponent are yet to be determined.