Sharks move to 2-0 in Conference Play
The Miami Dade Sharks secured a 71-59 victory over Indian River State College on the road. The win was marked by a commanding first half, efficient scoring, and a strong defensive effort that stifled Indian River's offense.
From the outset, Miami Dade established their dominance. They surged to a 38-26 halftime lead, capitalizing on sharp shooting and disciplined ball movement. Jamaal Morris emerged as the star of the game, delivering a standout performance with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. His efficiency from the field, particularly his 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, set the tone for the Sharks' offense.
Complementing Morris was Ernesto Rodriguez, who added 17 points, including five three-pointers, and grabbed 6 rebounds. His shooting from long range provided crucial momentum during key stretches of the game. Hassan Belkhaddar also made a significant impact with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Randy Smith rounded out the Sharks' balanced attack, chipping in 7 points and 5 assists.
Defensively, Miami Dade's effort was equally noteworthy. The Sharks held Indian River to just 29.0% shooting from the field and a dismal 19.2% from three-point range. Their active defense forced 14 turnovers and recorded 12 steals, effectively disrupting Indian River's offensive flow. While Indian River showed some fight in the second half, matching Miami Dade's 33 points, they were unable to overcome the deficit created in the first 20 minutes.
Indian River's standout player was Aleksander Mitrovic, who led his team with 16 points, primarily from the free-throw line, where he converted 12 of 14 attempts. Amari Williams contributed with a strong rebounding performance, collecting 11 boards to go along with 7 points. Emmanuel Akot added 9 points, including three three-pointers, but his efforts were not enough to spark a sustained comeback.
The Sharks now turn their heads to Daytona State whom they are tied for 1st place in the conference with.