CARDIAC KIDS!!

The Miami Dade Sharks rallied from a double-digit first-half deficit and outlasted Eastern Florida State College, 76-71, in overtime after forcing the game even in the final seconds of regulation.

Eastern Florida State controlled the early tempo, jumping out in front 18-11 after one and carrying a 33-23 lead into halftime. The Sharks chipped away after the break, getting steady production inside from Meredith Venner and timely buckets from Azjannie Culberth to cut into the margin. Miami Dade's pressure and work on the glass helped flip the game in the second half, as the Sharks edged the third quarter 20-18 and continued to close late in the fourth.

With Miami Dade trailing 65-62 in the final seconds, Culberth delivered the moment of regulation, drilling a game-tying three-pointer with two seconds left to force overtime. From there, the Sharks seized control. Venner opened the extra period at the line, then Jazmyne Bynum buried a huge three to push Miami Dade ahead 69-65. Miami Dade stayed composed at the stripe down the stretch, with Constanza Aravena knocking down four overtime free throws and Venner icing it with two more in the closing second to secure the five-point win.

Culberth led the Sharks with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, going a perfect 3-for-3 from deep, while Aravena matched her with 17 points and four triples off the bench. Venner posted a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) and hit 8-of-10 free throws, and Riana Callihan added eight points and eight boards as Miami Dade finished with a 49-37 rebounding edge.

Eastern Florida State was paced by Angela Mirkovic's 22 points and six blocks, while Bruna DaSilva added 17 points on five made threes, but Miami Dade's late-game poise, and a clutch tying shot proved to be the difference in overtime.

The Sharks will now take a week off before hosting St. Petersburg at home.