YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Grant Gullett scored 20 points to led Palm Beach Atlantic University past Young Harris College 78-74 in a non-conference men's basketball game Friday (Dec. 15) afternoon at the YHC Basketball Arena.

The Sailfish improved to 7-7, while the Mountain Lions fell to 2-6. Young Harris returns to action Sunday (Dec. 17) when they travel to Augusta, Georgia, for a 3:30 p.m. Peach Belt Conference contest against Augusta University.

The afternoon matinee was part of Education Day for the Mountain Lions. YHC welcomed students from Towns County Elementary and Middle schools and Hayesville Elementary School to the game. The students were treated to a fantastic finish as the Sailfish saw their 17-point advantage midway through the second half closes to within three points down the stretch.

The Sailfish took that 17-point lead (55-38) with 13:17 remaining on an old-fashioned three-point play from Gullett that culminated an 8-0 run by Palm Beach Atlantic. The Mountain Lions got back into the game as the put together an 11-2 run to get withing seven points (62-55) on a layup by Antonio Wade with 8:18 to go. 

"We got back into the game by digging in and making stops," said Young Harris basketball coach Pete Herrmann. "We were able to cut down on our turnovers and did a better job on the glass in the second half. We could have folded when we got down by 17 points, but we didn't. I still feel that we are getting better, although the record doesn't show it."

The Sailfish, who shot 56.1 percent (32-of-57) from the field, saw their lead go back into double figures - 11 points (69-58) - on a three-pointer by Marshall Riddle with 5:49 left. Young Harris put one final run in them as they reeled off a 9-2 spurt to get within three points (75-72) on a Corey Nelson layup with 1:49 to play. 

After the teams traded possessions that came up empty, Bakari Warthen hit a short jumper in the paint with 26 seconds remaining as the shot clock was winding down to take a 77-72 lead.

"You have to give Palm Beach Atlantic credit," said Herrmann. " They made big shots when they had to."

A layup by Nelson 12 seconds later got the Mountain Lions back within three at 77-74. J.B. Charles stole the ball on the ensuing inbounds pass, but Wade's three-pointer with seven seconds ricocheted off the rim and Jules Jasmin was able to make one of two free throws with 3.6 seconds to seal the PBA win.

De'Ondre Jackson had 16 points for the Sailfish, while Warthen had 10 points and six rebounds.

The Mountain Lions, who shot 58 percent (29-of-50) in the game, including 63 percent (17-of-27) in the final 20 minutes, was led b Nicksen Blanc's 18 points and nine rebounds. Nelson tallied 17 points, while Demari Edwards added 13 points before he fouled out. Wade had his second consecutive game  with a double double as he had 11 points and 10 assists.