MIAMI GARDENS, FLA (FEBRUARY 14, 2026) - St. Thomas University defeated Florida Memorial University 87–80 in Game 2 of "The Battle of Miami Gardens," earning a hard-fought victory in a rivalry matchup that featured multiple momentum swings before the Bobcats took control late.
In front of a charged atmosphere down the street on 4nd Avenue at Florida Memorial, St. Thomas University used efficient second-half shooting and steady free-throw production to pull away from the Lions. down the stretch.
The contest was tightly contested throughout the opening half. Florida Memorial shot 50 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes and briefly dictated tempo behind aggressive play in the paint. The Lions' interior scoring helped them establish rhythm early, but St. Thomas remained composed, converting all 10 of its first-half free throw attempts to stay within reach. The game featured five ties and four lead changes over the course of the night.
Florida Memorial built its largest lead of nine points early in the second half with 14:33 remaining, but the Bobcats responded with poise. St. Thomas shot 60 percent from the floor after halftime, finding balance offensively and executing in key moments. A decisive run midway through the period flipped the momentum and eventually produced a 15-point advantage with just over four minutes to play.
Adrian Cruz led the Bobcats with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 effort from three-point range. He also converted all five free throws and added two steals, providing timely perimeter scoring that helped spark the second-half surge.
Noah Tovar delivered a strong all-around performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals across 38 minutes. His activity on both ends of the floor played a significant role in shifting the defensive pressure late in the game.
Kaleb Myers controlled the interior with 19 points and nine rebounds, consistently attacking the basket and drawing contact. The Bobcats finished with 27 made free throws overall, converting at an 84.4 percent clip, a key factor in securing the victory.
Florida Memorial was led by Devin Carter's 23-point effort, as he carried much of the Lions' scoring load. Cameron Noel contributed 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers, while Jeffery Selden added 13 points and six assists. The Lions scored 50 points in the paint and capitalized on turnovers, turning 17 Bobcat miscues into 27 points. However, they were unable to match St. Thomas' second-half efficiency, shooting 43.2 percent from the field after the break.
For the game, St. Thomas shot 51 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from three-point range, finishing with 34 rebounds and 19 assists. Florida Memorial shot 46.3 percent overall and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc, totaling 31 rebounds and 19 assists.
Ultimately, it was the Bobcats' discipline at the free-throw line and their offensive execution in the second half that proved decisive. With the 87–80 win, St. Thomas secured Game 2 of "The Battle of Miami Gardens," demonstrating composure and efficiency when it mattered most.
The Bobcats only have two regular season game left, and look to continue the win streak as they face Ave Maria University on the road, on Wednesday, February 18.
Tip off is set for 7:30PM.
