MIAMI, Fla.- After finding themselves on the winning end of a thrilling two point contest Saturday at home against Indian River, the #22 Florida SouthWestern State Buccaneers found themselves on the other side of the token on Wednesday, dropping a 50-49 grinder to Miami Dade to snap a four game winning streak to start 2023.  

 

The Bucs got off to a slow start, needing 3:30 before they got on the board for the first time, but they scored the next eight after the did scratch the scoreboard to take an early 8-3 lead against the Sharks. They continued their strong defense, holding Miami Dade to just two field goals in the first eight minutes of the contest, but they weren't able to take too much advantage of it as they upped their lead by just two to 12-5 at the midway mark of the first half.  Both teams continued to struggle offensively as the half wound down with FSW leading it just 17-11 with six minutes to go before taking a seven point, 28-21 lead into the break at half. 

 

Just like they did in the first half, the Bucs came out slow in the second as well, going scoreless over the first four minutes as Miami Dade trimmed their lead to just one at 28-27.  Their struggles continued as the Sharks took their first lead since the opening minutes, holding a 36-32 advantage with 11:30 remaining.  The Bucs finally found some momentum with 8:00 to go, going on a 6-0 mini-runn the clock. Both teams continued to grind with the Sharks holding a one point lead at 50-49 after a pair of free throws with 32.5 seconds to go.  The Bucs got two shots to take the lead on their final possession, but couldn't get anything to go and a last second desperation heave landed harmlessly as the Sharks celebrated a 50-49 win over the Top 25 ranked Bucs.  to retake the lead 44-43, but Miami Dade quickly answered to take a one point lead of their own with 4:30 left o

 

It was a forgettable night for the Bucs who shot just 26% from the field with 17 field goals while tallying just 5 assists in the loss. The Bucs 49 points sets a new program low, topping their previous mark of 61 by 12 points.  Bradley Douglas led the Bucs with 18 points while Tyson Brown collected 16 rebounds in the defeat. 

 

FSW falls to 13-4 overall and 1-1 in Southern Conference play with the loss while Miami Dade takes over the early season conference lead with a 2-0 mark while improving to 13-7 overall.  

 

The Bucs will try to get back on track on Saturday at home against State College of Florida when they take on the Manatees in a 2 PM matinee tip from Suncoast Arena in Fort Myers.