WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 21, 2026) - Men's basketball fell in their final home game of the season, losing 87-79 to #16 Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday. The loss drops the Tars to 13-14 overall and 7-12 in SSC action. The Sailfish improve to 22-4, 14-4 SSC.
Jah Nze scored the first points of the game on the Tars' first possession, but the Sailfish answered with seven straight points.
Marshall Klug and Nze knocked down a couple shots to bring Rollins back within one score, setting the tone for the first half.
Palm Beach Atlantic maintained a lead for most of the half, but Rollins hung tough, knocking down clutch shots. They were especially effective from three in the first period, with Omar Figeruoa and
Cheo James splashing from deep. Under the ten minute mark,
Michael Kalina provided a spark off the bench with back to back makes thanks to an offensive rebound and a steal/layup combo.
From the 5:32-4:04 stretch, the two teams combined to score on six consecutive possessions, putting on a show for the energetic crowd.
The Tars finally came back to tie the game with a minute left when Nze knocked down a three. Two free throws from Klug gave the Tars a lead with 32 seconds to go, but the Sailfish got a jumper from Preston Le Gassick at the horn to make it 41 all at the break.
Rollins shot 50% from the floor and nailed six threes in the first half.
Coming out of the break, each team hit a three, but from there, it was all Sailfish. Palm Beach Atlantic outscored Rollins 23-9 in the first ten minutes of the half, putting the Tars in a huge hole.
Though they shot better in the final minutes, Rollins just couldn't overcome the deficit. Nze was efficient on offense, ending the game with a 50% field goal percentage, but the team's defense didn't have enough energy to slow down the Sailfish.
The final couple of minutes were a free-throw battle, but it worked in the Tars' favor. They gained some serious momentum, with a three from Figueroa at the 34 second mark making it a 81-77 game. Unfortunately, the Tars were stymied on their next possession, and a the ensuing points for Palm Beach Atlantic sealed the deal.
Nze led the Tars with 25 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Figueroa was right behind him with 24 points and four made threes. Le Gassick led all scorers with 26 points.
Prior to the game, the coaching staff recognized their six seniors who will be moving on following graduation:
Mayson Quartlebaum,
Caleb Samuel,
Jah Nze,
Michael Kalina,
Omar Figueroa, and
Ricky Ghedini.
Rollins will have one more game before their regular season comes to a close. They will head to Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday, February 25 to take on #1 Nova Southeastern. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
