Sharks Pull Away Late to Top Eastern Florida State

Miami Dade pulled away late and closed out a 79-72 win over Eastern Florida State College after a back-and-forth opening half in Melbourne.

The Sharks led by just one at the break, 34-33, in a first 20 minutes that featured early pressure and second-chance points on both ends. Anthony Gilkes got Miami Dade going right away with a layup on the opening possession off a Randy Smith assist, and Smith followed with a triple to push the Sharks in front 5-2. Eastern Florida answered behind Sean Register Jr. on the glass, but Miami Dade found timely buckets from David Verstraeten and Anthony Breland to carry the slim advantage into halftime.

Miami Dade's separation came in the second half with defense turning into points and poise at the line. Leeroy Nijean sparked the opening stretch with a steal and the Sharks quickly built rhythm inside, with Gilkes converting a tip-in early and Breland and Verstraeten finishing through contact as Miami Dade climbed in front 47-43 at the media break. Eastern Florida kept punching back from the perimeter, but the Sharks answered every run, especially at the stripe where they went 20-for-25 on the night.

Breland delivered a game-high 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting and 7-of-8 at the free-throw line, while Verstraeten posted 19 points and nine rebounds to anchor the frontcourt. Nijean added 15 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, and Gilkes finished with 11.

Eastern Florida was led by Register Jr. with 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Joviel Acevedo-Arroyo added 12 points and 11 boards as the Titans won the rebounding battle 52-35 and grabbed 20 offensive boards.

Still, Miami Dade made the winning plays in the final minute. With the Sharks protecting a five-point edge, Verstraeten knocked down two free throws with :31 left, Smith came up with a steal moments later, and the Sharks iced it at the line before Nijean finished a fastbeark layup with :05 remaining off a Verstraeten assist to seal the 79-72 victory.