MIAMI GARDENS, FLA - (FEBRUARY 24, 2026) - The St. Thomas University Bobcats opened Sun Conference Tournament play with a hard-fought 76-73 victory over the Florida Memorial University Lions on their home floor Monday night, advancing out of Round One while completing a 3-0 season sweep of their crosstown rival.

St. Thomas set the tone early, shooting 52 percent from the field and building a first-half lead that grew to 14 points with 3:42 remaining before the break. The Bobcats were especially sharp from three-point range in the opening half, knocking down 5-of-7 attempts to create separation. They finished the night 26-of-50 from the floor and added 15 points off turnovers to help offset a late Florida Memorial push.

Adrian Cruz delivered a standout performance, playing all 40 minutes and pouring in a game-high 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds and three assists in a poised effort that anchored the Bobcats from start to finish. Kaleb Myers provided a strong interior presence with 21 points and a team-high nine rebounds, helping St. Thomas score 36 points in the paint. Noah Tovar filled the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds, and a game-high six assists as the Bobcats navigated a tightly contested second half that featured four ties and four lead changes.

Despite going scoreless from three-point range after halftime (0-of-4), St. Thomas relied on its efficiency inside and timely free throws to hold off the Lions down the stretch. The Bobcats finished 19-of-30 from the free-throw line and assisted on 15 of their 26 made field goals.

Florida Memorial shot 40.6 percent from the field (26-of-64) but stayed within striking distance behind strong work at the line. The Lions were perfect in the second half on free throws (13-of-13) and finished 16-of-18 overall. Jeffery Selden led Florida Memorial with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting and a 7-of-7 performance at the stripe, while Devin Carter added 21 points, including two three-pointers. Aa'reyon Munir-Jones chipped in 10 points off the bench as the Lions outscored St. Thomas in second-chance points, 13-9, and held a 33-29 rebounding edge.

 With the win, St. Thomas not only advances in the Sun Conference Tournament but also secures the season sweep of Florida Memorial, moving one step closer to a conference championship.

The Bobcats will await their next round opponent, and look to continue their winning ways.