Sharks Dominate #17 Ranked Monroe

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Miami Dade Sharks made a bold statement with a commanding 90-65 victory over #17 ranked Monroe University. 

From the opening tip, Miami Dade controlled the game's tempo, establishing an early lead that they never relinquished. By halftime, the Sharks had built a 44-29 advantage, thanks to a stifling defensive effort and a relentless offensive attack. Monroe struggled to find a rhythm against the Sharks' defense, shooting just 42.6% from the field and a mere 23.5% from beyond the arc. Miami Dade capitalized on turnovers and controlled the boards, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

The standout player of the night was Faheim Saintleger Meran, who put on a dazzling display of scoring and playmaking. Meran poured in 34 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including two three-pointers, and showcased his ability to draw contact by making 12 of his 15 free-throw attempts. He complemented his scoring with five rebounds and six assists, proving to be the catalyst for Miami Dade's offense. 

Meran was supported by a stellar cast of teammates. Hassan Belkhaddar was a force on both ends, scoring 22 points while shooting an impressive 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. His defensive contributions included six rebounds and two blocks, demonstrating his all-around impact. Jamaal Morris added 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, providing a steady presence on the court and maintaining perfection from the free-throw line with a 5-for-5 performance. Additionally, Bronson Borlace delivered a strong effort off the bench, securing eight rebounds and anchoring the Sharks' interior defense.

Miami Dade's defensive effort was a key factor in their victory. The Sharks forced 14 turnovers and held Monroe's leading scorer, Devere Palmer Jr., to a hard-fought 21 points. Their dominance on the boards, highlighted by a 40-32 rebounding advantage, created second-chance opportunities that further widened the scoring gap.

The Sharks now head into the Holiday Break with a 9-5 record before conference play.