By Monte Perez

Coming into the 2024-25 season, The University of Fort Lauderdale Men's basketball team had high expectations. With returning players, incoming freshman and transfers there was a plethora of talent on this roster. Expectation met reality on Tuesday night as UFTL opened the season against Webber International University. 

The Eagles were trailing 19-7 to start the game and proceeded to outscore the Warriors by 29 points in their impressive (95-78) victory.

This was a total team effort. The bench scored 23 points and Vugar Kuliev led the team with 7 assists. 

• Jimel Cofer lived up to the pre- season hype with 28 points,11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. He had an emphatic dunk that rocked the rim and the house at the Scott Galvin Community Center.
• Chris Berry was "on fire" from behind the arc, he scored 20 points including four 3 point field goals.
• DeAndere Pemberton contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds.
• Benez Woodard who became the 1st player in UFTL Men's Basketball history to score 1000 points in his career last season, scored 11 points and dished out 6 assists despite battling through some injuries. 
• Corey Pope had 5 rebounds and 3 "big-time" blocks on defense. 

    
It was only one game, but the depth,length and talent on this team is fun to watch. 

It could be a very exciting year for UFTL Basketball. Jump on the bandwagon now. There is plenty of room!

Next up for UFTL...

Friday Night 11-1-2024 7PM hosting Bacon College at the Scott Galvin Community Center and live on our UFTL Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/live/WRE5v7J0uOo?si=PGUlOfEYhbCpB61F