Sharks pull off victory vs St. Pete
In front of a packed and electrified crowd at the Gibson Center, the Miami Dade Sharks emerged victorious over the St. Petersburg College Titans in a tightly contested game, finishing with a 60-56 triumph. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans cheered their teams through a game marked by intense defense, balanced scoring, and dramatic momentum swings.
The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams working tirelessly to disrupt the other's offensive rhythm. St. Petersburg relied heavily on their standout player, Brandon Davis, who contributed 17 points, including three three-pointers. However, the Titans struggled to find consistency, shooting just 34.4% from the field in the first half. Miami Dade countered with a more balanced approach. Faheim Saintleger Meran led the Sharks with 18 points, showcasing his versatility by attacking the basket and knocking down two timely three-pointers. Meanwhile, Jamaal Morris played the role of floor general, contributing 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists to keep the Sharks organized on both ends of the floor.
The Sharks built a slim halftime lead, bolstered by their efficiency from beyond the arc, where they shot an impressive 43.5%. Key contributions from Randy Smith and Hassan Belkhaddar, who each hit two three-pointers, kept Miami Dade ahead in a game where every possession mattered. The Titans, despite their struggles from the field, stayed competitive thanks to their rebounding dominance, grabbing 15 offensive boards and finishing with a 40-34 advantage in total rebounds.
As the second half unfolded, the game intensified, with the Titans leaning on the scoring of Isaac Edwards, who added 16 points. St. Petersburg's Michael Moten also chipped in 10 points off the bench, while their relentless rebounding created numerous second-chance opportunities. However, Miami Dade's disciplined defense proved critical in limiting the Titans' scoring efficiency. The Sharks' ability to force tough shots and secure defensive rebounds in key moments neutralized the Titans' physicality on the glass.
In the closing minutes, the Sharks demonstrated the poise and execution that ultimately decided the game. Ernesto Rodriguez came off the bench to provide a crucial spark, scoring 12 points, including three three-pointers that kept Miami Dade ahead during critical stretches. Hassan Belkhaddar's free throws in the waning moments, combined with Saintleger Meran's clutch three-pointer, sealed the game for the Sharks and silenced the Titans' hopes of a late comeback.
The final statistics tell the story of a closely contested game. Miami Dade shot 41.2% from the field and converted 10 three-pointers, using their efficiency from long range to offset St. Petersburg's rebounding advantage and second-chance points. The Sharks also managed to stay ahead despite committing 19 turnovers, thanks to their defensive effort and ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities.