Florida Southwestern takes down the Sharks

Despite a valiant effort, Miami Dade fell to Florida Southwestern State College, 86-70, on the road in a game marked by standout individual performances and a third-quarter surge from the hosts.

The game opened with FSW asserting early dominance. Behind strong shooting and aggressive rebounding, the Bucs outscored Miami Dade 24-14 in the first quarter. Samantha Serrano led the charge, finishing the period with 8 points and setting the tone for her impressive night.

Miami Dade responded in the second quarter, tightening up defensively to hold FSW to 17 points. Kiara Harris was a force for the Sharks, scoring 9 of her 20 points in the second quarter. Miami Dade narrowed the deficit slightly, heading into halftime down 41-32.

The third quarter proved decisive as Florida Southwestern erupted for 31 points, their highest-scoring quarter of the game. Asiana Britt came alive, dropping 21 points in the frame, including two three-pointers, while Serrano continued her efficient scoring attack. FSW's defense also stifled Miami Dade's perimeter shooting, holding the Sharks to just 2-of-7 from beyond the arc in the quarter.

Trailing by 22 heading into the fourth quarter, Miami Dade showed resilience. Shameir Quimby contributed 12 of her 22 points in the final quarter, but the Sharks' efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit.

The Sharks will take Tuesday off before traveling to Daytona State on Wednesday to take on the Falcons.