#5 Pioneers Steal Conference Game On The Road At Miami Dade

Miami, Florida – It was a physical battle of two Southern Conference teams on Wednesday night as the #5 Indian River State College (IRSC) took on Miami Dade College. IRSC held an early 9-2 lead, but Miami Dade came back strong and pulled to within three points, 12-9.  Melvin Edwards hit a baseline three-point basket giving the Pioneers their first double-digit lead of the game 25-15 with just over four minutes remaining in the half. Miami Dade continued to score from the low post area and were down six at halftime, 29-23.

IRSC could not keep the lead as Miami Dade went on a 7-0 run early in the second half pulling ahead by one 38-37. IRSC battled back and built a seven-point advantage, 61-54 with 4:44 remaining in game. The Pioneers kept the margin at seven, 67-60 with two minutes on the clock, but Miami Dade was not done. 

After a missed lay-up attempt by Cajuste, Miami Dade raced down the floor and drilled a three-pointer from the corner, pulling to within one, 67-66 with 1:22 left in the game. On the following possession Cajuste drove and passed the ball out to wide open Bendji Pierre who hit the three, pushing the lead back to four, 70-66. Miami Dade quickly scored and got the ball back with 15.2 second on the clock.  The Pioneers fouled and Miami Dade hit both free-throws with 5.6 seconds remaining in the contest, but IRSC quickly inbounded the basketball to Cajuste who raced down the floor and hit the lay-up with 2.2 seconds on the clock.  Miami Dade connected on a long two-point basket, but time had already expired, giving the Pioneers the 72-70 win.

Cajuste had a game high 28 points, 24 of those coming in the second half, followed by Pierre with 13.  IRSC increased their record to 18-2, and 3-0 in the Southern Conference. They will travel to Tampa, Florida on Saturday January 22nd to take on Hillsborough Community College.  Game time will be a 4 pm. following the women's game.