Sharks Drop Tight Battle to Monroe, 71–68

Miami Dade went punch-for-punch with Monroe in Fort Myers on Friday evening, but a late surge by the Mustangs handed the Sharks a 71–68 loss at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

The Sharks were led once again by Anthony Breland, who delivered a monster 28-point, 7-rebound performance on 11-for-16 shooting. Breland scored 14 points in each half and nearly willed MDC back in the closing seconds.

Ernesto Rodriguez added 19 points and knocked down three triples, while Juvon Gamory stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. Miami Dade shot 40% from the field and 8-for-29 from three, controlling long stretches of the first half and building an 11-point lead at 31–20.

Monroe responded with a late run before halftime, then edged ahead in a back-and-forth second half that featured multiple ties and lead changes. MDC regained the lead 61–60 with 3:19 left after two Breland free throws, but Monroe answered with timely offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

Trailing 68–63 with under 30 seconds remaining, the Sharks got a huge three from Jacopo Van Der Knapp to cut it to 68–66, but Monroe made its free throws late to protect the lead. Breland scored again with eight seconds left, pulling MDC within two, before Monroe iced the game at the line.

MDC dominated the early pace with 16 fast-break points and forced 13 Monroe turnovers, but the Mustangs' 20 second-chance points proved the difference.

Miami Dade is back in action next week as they get set to host the Jim Cox Classic at the Gibson Center.