Atlantis Battles Hard but Falls to Keiser in Conference Road Test
Atlantis University’s men’s basketball team faced one of its toughest early-season challenges on October 23, traveling to West Palm Beach to take on a well-prepared Keiser University squad. Despite the 88–58 loss, the Atlanteans demonstrated composure, flashes of offensive rhythm, and the emergence of key performers like Santiago Insaurralde, who led all Atlantis scorers with 21 points, and Folayemi Salako, who controlled the boards with eight rebounds and nine points.
The opening minutes set the tone for Atlantis's discipline. Guard Santiago Insaurralde operated as the team's offensive engine, using his shooting range and confidence to keep the Atlanteans within striking distance. He shot 58% from the floor, hitting three of six from beyond the arc and converting four of six from the free-throw line. His scoring accounted for more than a third of Atlantis's total points and established him as the offensive focal point throughout the contest.
The first half, however, exposed the execution gap between the two sides. Keiser's precision in ball movement and interior scoring gave them a 48–28 halftime lead. Atlantis's defense worked to adjust, but Keiser's 56.7% field goal percentage, combined with 17 offensive rebounds, made it difficult to regain control. Still, Salako's physical presence under the rim stood out. With eight rebounds, including six defensive boards, he consistently contested shots and limited second-chance opportunities in the latter stages of the game.
In the second half, Atlantis improved its spacing and shot selection, raising its field goal percentage to 40.9%. Head Coach adjustments allowed for a stronger inside-out approach, relying on Salako's rebounding and Insaurralde's perimeter play to generate rhythm. The effort was complemented by Sonny Matos, who delivered 10 points off the bench, shooting 4-of-11 and adding a steal. His ability to create off the dribble and pressure Keiser's guards provided needed intensity during a crucial stretch.
Atlantis's defensive energy was more evident after the break. The team forced several key turnovers and limited Keiser's three-point shooting to 10% in the second half. Guard play tightened, and the Atlanteans executed cleaner transitions, leading to 14 points off turnovers. Yet foul trouble and missed opportunities at the line: Atlantis shot just 58.6% from the line, hindering any sustained comeback attempt. While Keiser's depth and rebounding margin (44–26) ultimately decided the game, Atlantis's effort reflected a growing sense of cohesion.
The 88–58 final score does not fully capture Atlantis's incremental progress. Insaurralde's leadership on offense and Salako's consistency on the glass were bright spots in a game that demanded physical and mental resilience. The team improved its second-half shooting and defensive communication, key indicators of growth against one of the conference's top programs. As the Atlanteans turn their attention to upcoming matchups, the focus will be on sustaining energy through all four quarters, improving rebounding discipline, and converting free throws at a higher clip. The loss serves as a valuable benchmark for a young Atlantis roster intent on establishing its identity in competitive play.