Sharks Rally Late to Stun Hillsborough, 71-68

Miami Dade College erased a seven-point halftime deficit and closed with poise down the stretch to defeat Hillsborough Community College, 71-68, on Saturday.

The Hawks set the tone early, scoring the game's first five points and stretching the lead behind Chandler Davis and Ramez Zayed, while Miami Dade struggled to find rhythm offensively in the opening half. Hillsborough carried a 36-29 advantage into the break, fueled by second-chance opportunities and timely perimeter shots.

Coming out of halftime, the Sharks flipped the script with increased pressure and steadier execution. Leeroy Nijean repeatedly attacked the paint and got to the line, while Anthony Breland orchestrated the offense and finished through contact to keep Miami Dade within striking distance. The momentum fully swung as the Sharks continued to chip away possession by possession, eventually tying it late and turning the final minutes into a one-possession battle.

With the score knotted at 68-68 inside the final 20 seconds, Randy Smith delivered the deciding play, jumping a passing lane for a steal and finishing the go-ahead layup with 0:14 remaining. After a defensive stop, Nijean added the insurance point at the stripe with three seconds left to seal it, and Miami Dade contested the final look to secure the comeback win.

Breland led all Sharks with 22 points, adding six assists, while Nijean posted a strong all-around line with 11 points, 13 rebounds and nine made free throws. Randy Smith chipped in 11 points and four steals, and Jacopo Van Der Knapp provided a key lift off the bench with 10 points.

As a team, Miami Dade made the difference at the line (18-for-26) and protected the ball (nine turnovers), overcoming Hillsborough's strong rebounding night led by Davis (21 points, 14 rebounds) and Manyaka Luma (15 points).