Photo via Dan Calvelli / Palm Beach Atlantic Athletics

The historical season continues, The Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish defeated the #1 Nova Southeastern Sharks, handing them their first loss of the 2024-25 Season.

The Sailfish came into the matchup 11-2 and the Sharks 13-0, both squads with SSC Championship aspirations this season.

The game was back and forth throughout, with 10 total lead changes. PBA was led by Alvin Tumblin who recorded 17 points and 8 rebounds, and Graham Worland who played a key role in sealing the win. Graham had 15 points, 13 of them being in the second half including putting through 5 straight free throws down the stretch. Graham, the Redshirt Freshman from North Carolina has been solid in his first season seeing action for the Sailfish and his shooting will play a pivotal role moving forward.

Three other Sailfish reached double figures including Guard Josh Ward who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, Jakob Hester with 10 points, and Broderick Ellis with 11 off the bench.

Down the stretch, PBA was able to get some major late defensive stops including forcing Ross Reeves into a tough shot attempt to tie the game at the buzzer. The shot was off the mark and the Sailfish Sealed the 87-84 win over the #1 ranked squad.

PBA Head Coach Cole Rose gets his first win over the Sharks as a historical season continues for the Sailfish. This win puts them at 12-2 and ties them with NSU atop the SSC standings. The win will also put PBA back into the D2 top-25 poll and stamp them as one of the top teams and a force to be reckoned with going into March.

Next game: Saturday, January 11th vs Eckerd

Written By: Chad Washington