Southern Utah pulled off a stunning upset at the America First Events Center, dominating Abilene Christian 74-52 in a game that will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. The Thunderbirds, ranked 293rd in the net rankings, took down the 241st-ranked Wildcats, defying expectations and making a significant statement.
Jaiden Feroah was the star of the show for Southern Utah, posting an impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead his team to victory. Feroah's double-double was a key factor in the Thunderbirds' success, as they outmuscled and outplayed Abilene Christian from start to finish. Isaiah Cottrell and Dylan Jones also made significant contributions, scoring 13 points each and helping to stretch the defense.
Abilene Christian's Bradyn Hubbard was the lone bright spot for the Wildcats, scoring 14 points in a losing effort. Rich Smith added 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunderbirds' balanced attack. Christian Alston chipped in with 8 points, but the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm on offense, shooting just 25 points in the second half.
The game was all but over by halftime, as Southern Utah took a commanding 44-27 lead into the break. The Thunderbirds' defense was suffocating, holding Abilene Christian to just 27 points in the first half. The Wildcats tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but Southern Utah's offense was too much to handle, as they cruised to a 22-point victory.
This upset is a significant blow to Abilene Christian's tournament chances, as they fall to 10-9 on the season. The loss will likely drop the Wildcats in the net rankings, making their path to the postseason even more difficult. On the other hand, Southern Utah's win is a huge boost to their resume, even if it is a Quadrant 4 victory. The Thunderbirds improve to 7-14 on the season, and while they still have a long way to go, this win shows that they are capable of competing with teams above their level.
The fact that this was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams takes some of the luster off the win, but it's still a significant upset. Southern Utah's ability to dominate Abilene Christian from start to finish is a reflection of their strength and resilience. As the season wears on, this win could be a turning point for the Thunderbirds, and it will be interesting to see how they build on this momentum. For Abilene Christian, the loss is a wake-up call, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason.