MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (December 7, 2019) - St. Thomas University Men's Basketball (4-2, 2-2 TSC) defeated Florida Memorial University (2-8, 1-3 TSC) 94-91 in a dramatic overtime win, in round one of the "Battle of Miami Gardens" on Saturday evening from the Fernandez Family Center.

Bobcat Starters

• Daejour Adderley (Guard)
• Justin Brown (Guard)
• Ahmad Gilbert (Forward)
• Fotios Malelis (Forward)
• Jahsim Floyd (Center)

Game Notes

• After Gilbert scored the opening points of the game, Florida Memorial held the lead until inside the 16-minute mark, when Quinterious Jones tied the game, 9-9.
• Midway through the first half, Floyd slammed home a dunk to give the Bobcats a 23-22 lead.
• The teams traded three-pointers as Antoine Joe added a bucket and Mubashar Ali responded with one of his own, giving the Lions a 28-26 lead.
• With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, St. Thomas was trailing, 33-28. Nick Strawter added a three-pointer and Tyrik Waite sank back-to-back free throws to tie the game, 35-35.
• Consecutive three-point baskets from Brown, giving him 14 points, in the first half as the rivals went into halftime tied, 43-43. 
• Gilbert opened the second half with five straight points for STU, however, the Bobcats trailed, 50-49.
• An 8-0 FMU run, forced Head Coach D.P. Harris to use a timeout, with STU trailing 58-49. Following the break, Joe recorded a three-pointer to cut the deficit to six points.
• Jones converted an "and-one" and added a lay-up, giving him five consecutive points to tie the game at 72-72.
• Brown gave the Bobcats a slim, 77-74 advantage, with less than two minutes remaining.
• STU fouled Freddy Reeves Jr. and allowed the guard to shoot three free throws and tied the game with less than thirty seconds remaining in the second half.
• Floyd recorded a block, stopping the FMU attempt to win at the buzzer and sent the game into overtime.
• Adderley led the way for STU in the overtime period, scoring five points, including a lay-up that put the Bobcats up, 90-85.
• Gilbert sealed the win from the charity stripe, making his fifth free throw of the game to put St. Thomas ahead, 94-91.

MVBobcats
Ahmad Gilbert: 23 points, seven rebounds, 8-15 FG
Justin Brown: 23 points, four rebounds, 7-15 FG

• Upcoming

The Bobcats return to the hardwood to take on Florida National University on Saturday, December 14 from the Fernandez Family Center, tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

-STU-