Sharks Dominate Season Opener with 131–37 Rout Over Time To Ball Prep
The Miami Dade College men's basketball team opened the 2025–26 season in emphatic fashion Friday night, storming past Time To Ball Prep 131–37 at home behind a blistering offensive performance.
The Sharks wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a double-digit lead within the first five minutes and never looking back. Sophomore Amari Davis led the early charge, scoring from all areas of the floor while establishing a physical presence in the paint. Davis finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds on an efficient 10-for-12 shooting night.
Miami Dade's offense was firing on all cylinders, connecting on 69 percent from the field and an impressive 53 percent from beyond the arc. Ernesto Rodríguez was lights out from deep, drilling six triples en route to 18 points and seven assists, while Anthony Breland matched him with 18 points, including a series of highlight-reel finishes in transition.
Belgian freshman David Verstraeten made an instant impact in his Sharks debut, adding 15 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Anthony Gilkes contributed 13 points and six boards off the bench. The Sharks' depth proved overwhelming, with 12 players scoring and eight finishing with at least eight points.
Defensively, Miami Dade swarmed the passing lanes, forcing 25 turnovers and holding Time To Ball Prep to just 24 percent shooting. Guards Randy Smith and Jacopo Van Der Knapp combined for 11 assists and five steals, fueling fast-break after fast-break as Miami Dade ran the floor relentlessly.
By halftime, the Sharks led 62–20 and showed no signs of slowing down. The second half was a showcase of balanced scoring and unselfish play, as every rotation player got involved in the action. Freshman Julian Crespo and Zayvian Bieger closed the game strong, each knocking down shots from long range to seal the triple-digit statement win.
The victory kicks off head coach Jorge Fernández's fifth season at the helm in dominant fashion, as the veteran coach guided a retooled roster that looked poised, cohesive, and hungry from the opening tip.
Miami Dade returns to action next Wednesday when they host Prestige Worldwide Prep at home.