Sharks Rally Past Polk State, 85-83

Winter Haven, FL - Miami Dade erased a seven-point halftime deficit and outlasted Polk State 85-83 to stay in the hunt.

Trailing 46-39 at the break, the Sharks responded with a 46-point second half, holding the Eagles to 37 over the final 20 minutes to complete the comeback.

Jacopo Van Der Knaap led Miami Dade with 23 points, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and 6-of-8 from three-point range. David Verstraeten followed with 19 points and two blocks, while Leeroy Nijean added 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

Randy Smith finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, directing the offense down the stretch. Ernesto Rodriguez provided 11 points off the bench, knocking down three triples.

Miami Dade shot 48.4 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 three-pointers. The Sharks totaled 21 assists on 31 made field goals and committed just seven turnovers.

Polk State was led by Tre Jackson's 22 points. The Eagles held a 47-36 rebounding advantage, including 15 offensive boards, but Miami Dade's efficiency and perimeter shooting proved decisive.

With the game tied late, the Sharks executed on both ends to secure the two-point road win.

Miami Dade improves with the victory and continues conference play next outing.