The Tribune

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Kemsy Sylvestre and Justin Smith combined for 49 points for UB but a slew of three-pointers from St Thomas University late in the game kept the Mingoes from picking up the win.

The Mingoes led by as much as four early in the game and even held the lead for about 11 minutes of the contest but could not convert late in the second half.

The Mingoes lost 94-69 to the St Thomas Bobcats in the first game of a three-game tour in The Miami area. “We’re still trying to learn how to close out games, we’re down six points with 9:21 to go in the game and then I think fatigue may have played a factor and we didn’t get back on defence and then turnover and no rebounds late in the game, all of that began the implode. When that starts it’s difficult for us to get back into a groove.”

The Bobcats capitalised off 26 UB turnovers by converting the turnovers for 31 points.

“It’s difficult for us to win if we are turning the ball over 26 times in the game,” Rolle said.

Sylvester ended the night with 25 points to go with nine rebounds to lead the Mingoes. Smith put up 24 points, including four three-pointers and five steals.

The Bobcats won the three-point battle in the game by going 14 of 28 compared to seven of 24 for the Mingoes.

“I think we are still in the learning mode,” Rolle said.

“Our guys see that they can compete and we are very aggressive for the first three quarters of the game and we do a hell of a job playing UB Mingoes basketball.

“But once fatigue sets in the brain goes and then the legs go and we have to learn to be a bit more disciplined and concentrate and have the stamina to win the best possible way.”