Sharks Struggle to Find Offensive Rhythm in Loss to Palm Beach

A strong start wasn't enough for the Miami Dade on Wednesday night, falling 75–60 to Palm Beach State College to drop to 6–3 on the season.

The Sharks opened the game on a 7–0 run behind early scoring from Randy Smith and Leeroy Nijean, but Palm Beach quickly punched back with second-chance points and transition baskets. Miami Dade trailed 35–28 at the break despite Smith's 13 first-half points and several defensive stops that kept the gap within reach.

In the second half, the Panthers continued controlling the interior and capitalizing on turnovers. Palm Beach held a 48–28 rebounding advantage and attempted 33 free throws, using physical play to pull away. Miami Dade fought to chip back into the game, but a cold shooting night from beyond the arc (5–27) stalled the comeback effort.

Smith led Miami Dade with 17 points and three steals, while Anthony Breland added 10 points and four rebounds. Jacopo Van Der Knapp provided a spark off the bench with nine points, including a pair of big threes in the second half. Anthony Gilkes contributed eight points and four assists, and David Verstraeten collected eight rebounds.

Palm Beach had five players score in double figures, paced by Carter Mungin's 16 points.

The Sharks will look to bounce back as they continue their early-season stretch, aiming to regain the offensive pace and defensive pressure that fueled their strong start to the year.