Sharks Hold Off Late Charge, Defeat Southern Union 87–77

The Miami Dade Sharks leaned on clutch scoring and relentless rebounding down the stretch Saturday afternoon, fending off Southern Union State Community College 87–77 at home to stay hot early in the season.

Sophomore guard Anthony Breland delivered a complete performance, pouring in a team-high 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting while going a perfect 10-for-10 from the line. Breland also added five rebounds and a key block as the Sharks repeatedly answered every Southern Union rally.

Miami Dade's perimeter game helped build and sustain momentum. Ernesto Rodriguez knocked down five threes and finished with 17 points, while Anthony Gilkes was ultra-efficient with 13 points on just seven attempts, adding four rebounds and two assists.

In the paint, Leeroy Nijean anchored the Sharks with a 13-rebound effort —with six of those on the offensive glass and eight points. His work inside helped Miami Dade win the rebounding battle 45–35, creating second-chance scoring opportunities and keeping pressure on the Bison defense all afternoon.

The Sharks led by just one at the break, 38–37, before erupting for 49 points in the second half. Rodriguez and Gilkes combined for a flurry of early threes out of halftime, sparking a run that pushed the advantage into double digits.

Southern Union refused to go away, cutting the margin multiple times behind strong outings from Don Tinsley (18 points) and Trevon Palmer (14 points, 8 rebounds). But every surge was countered as Randy Smith buried key free throws and Breland finished a pair of strong drives late to secure the win.

Smith provided a major spark off the bench with 17 points, five assists, and five rebounds, showcasing energy and playmaking on both ends in 33 minutes.

Miami Dade shot 45 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from beyond the arc, and made 23 free throws, converting at the stripe in crucial moments to put the game out of reach.

The Sharks improve their early-season momentum with another offensive showcase and will look to extend their winning ways as they continue non-conference competition against Central Georgia Tech to close out the Jim Cox Classic.