TUSKEGEE, Ala. | De'Ondre Jackson paced a pair of Palm Beach Atlantic players in double figures as the Sailfish defeated Tuskegee University 68-49 in the season opener for the Golden Tigers at Chappie James Arena Saturday afternoon.

Tuskegee (0-1) struggled from the outset, as Palm Beach Atlantic never trailed in the contest. The Golden Tigers ended the night shooting 25.8 (16-of-62) percent from the floor and just 6.3 (1-of-16) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 57.1 (16-of-28) percent from the free throw line, while grabbing 52 rebounds (20 offensive).

The Golden Tigers blocked five shots as a team in the opener, with three of those coming courtesy of Joshua Culver off the bench. The sophomore finished with eight points on 2-of-4 shooting from the floor, and 4-of-8 shooting from the free throw line. He also finished with nine rebounds for the Golden Tigers. Joel Nuriddin came off the bench with Culver so to score six points and grab six rebounds, while Thomas Massey finished with seven points and six rebounds.

Jackson led all scorers with 21 points, while Bakari Warthen finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Malek Barber ended the night with seven points and 14 rebounds (nine offensive). The Sailfish ended the night shooting 35.8 (24-of-67) percent from the floor and 17.6 (3-of-17) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 60.7 (17-of-28) percent from the free throw line, while grabbing 51 rebounds.

Tuskegee returns to action on November 16 against the University of Montevallo on the road. Tip time is set for 7:30 pm at Trustmark Arena in Montevallo.

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