Bethune-Cookman emerged victorious over Alabama A&M by a 9-point margin, securing an 85-76 win at Moore Gymnasium in Florida. The Wildcats held a significant advantage in the first half, outscoring the Bulldogs 44-30. Although the Bulldogs managed to close the gap in the second half, ultimately falling short by 9 points.
A look at the NET rankings for both teams reveals a slight disparity, with Bethune-Cookman holding a #258 ranking compared to Alabama A&M's #303. This difference in team strength may have played a role in the outcome, as the Wildcats' more consistent performance throughout the game ultimately gave them the edge they needed to secure the win.
Jakobi Heady led Bethune-Cookman's scoring effort, netting 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. He also contributed to the team's success with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Heady's efficiency from the field and his ability to create for teammates were key factors in the Wildcats' 85-76 victory over Alabama A&M.
Arterio Morris and Quentin Heady also played significant roles in the win. Morris scored 15 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, and added 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Quentin Heady, Jakobi Heady's twin brother, chipped in 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, making 2-of-4 three-point attempts, and grabbed 5 rebounds while dishing out 3 assists. The Heady twins' production helped Bethune-Cookman maintain a lead throughout the game.
Koron Davis led Alabama A&M's scoring effort, notching 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. While his efficiency was a positive for the Bulldogs, Davis's inability to draw more defensive attention and capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident in the final margin. His four rebounds and single assist also left room for improvement in his overall game impact.
James Graham III contributed 18 points and six rebounds, but his shooting efficiency was a concern, converting just 7-of-14 field goals and 1-of-5 three-point attempts. Graham's lack of playmaking ability, reflected in his zero assists, also limited the Bulldogs' ability to create scoring opportunities. PJ Eason's 10 points and eight rebounds were solid, but his inability to generate more offense and his 4-of-7 performance at the free-throw line were notable drawbacks.
Ariel Bland's outing was a notable departure from his season averages, as he nearly quadrupled his scoring average, with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. His rebounding total also exceeded his season average by 1.0, while his block total more than doubled his season average. Conversely, Sami Pissis struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 4 points on 2-of-11 shooting from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range. His assist total was a bright spot, but still fell short of his season average in terms of overall efficiency, as evidenced by his 2-of-11 shooting and 0-of-4 three-point attempts.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a 4.1-point Bethune-Cookman victory ultimately proved correct, with the Wildcats prevailing by a 9-point margin. While the final score was not a surprise, the extent of the victory was a testament to the Wildcats' ability to assert their dominance over Alabama A&M.
A closer examination of the game reveals that Bethune-Cookman's torrid shooting from beyond the arc and on the glass were the deciding factors. The Wildcats' 50.0% 3PT% and 31.8% OREB rate were both significantly higher than their season averages, and these disparities were not matched by Alabama A&M. Conversely, the Bulldogs' 20.0% 3PT% and 32.3% OREB rate were well below their season averages, indicating that they struggled to find their rhythm on offense and secure key rebounds. These contrasting performances ultimately gave Bethune-Cookman the edge it needed to secure a convincing win.
The victory for Bethune-Cookman adds little to its NCAA Tournament resume, as it remains winless in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games, with no significant improvement in NET ranking. However, it has now secured a non-losing season, a crucial benchmark for bubble teams. Meanwhile, the loss for Alabama A&M, despite maintaining a respectable overall record, likely sets back its NET ranking and makes it an even longer shot to earn an at-large bid, with its Quad 1 and Quad 2 losses serving as significant liabilities. The Bulldogs will now need to focus on winning games against weaker opponents to salvage their postseason chances, but their path to the tournament appears increasingly narrow.