Sophomores Shine as Miami Dade Defends The Gib

Miami, FL - Miami Dade made sure Sophomore Night ended the right way.

The Sharks controlled the game from the jump and closed out a 79-69 win over Florida SouthWestern on Monday, building separation early and never giving it back.

FSW hit first, but Miami Dade answered immediately. Constanza Aravena set the tone defensively with early steals that turned into points, and Jazmyne Bynum got rolling in transition, knocking down a pair of threes as the Sharks took a 17-12 lead after one.

The second quarter is where it started to feel like Miami Dade's night. Meredith Venner owned the glass on both ends, Saige McCloud created extra possessions with her work on the offensive boards, and the Sharks kept stacking stops. Miami Dade outscored the Buccaneers 21-15 in the quarter to take a 38-27 advantage into halftime.

The Sharks came out of the break with the same edge. Bynum continued to attack, Venner finished through contact, and Culberth spaced the floor with timely threes as Miami Dade won the third 21-18 and pushed the margin out to 59-45.

Florida SouthWestern had one more run in the fourth behind Amelia Williams, who finished with 34 points, but Miami Dade never let the momentum swing. Bynum delivered the response every time, Aravena kept the offense organized, and Venner closed possessions with rebounds and rim protection. The Sharks sealed it late with a Culberth three and strong finishing plays at the rim.

Bynum led Miami Dade with 24 points, five assists and three steals. Venner posted a monster line of 15 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks, while Culberth added 15 points on four made threes. Aravena finished with 10 points and eight assists.