The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, led by Jakobi Heady's 26 points, dominated the Alabama State Hornets 82-71 at Moore Gymnasium, improving their record to 14-13 and solidifying their position with a 5.4-point average margin over their last 5 games. This victory marked their fourth win in their last six outings, with the team averaging 76.4 points per game during this stretch. The Hornets, on the other hand, fell to 9-18, suffering their second consecutive loss after a promising 3-2 run where they outscored opponents by an average of 11.4 points. Alabama State's recent trend of allowing 61.6 points per game over their last 5 outings was broken, as they conceded 82 points to the Wildcats.
The first half was a high-scoring affair, with Bethune-Cookman taking a 52-39 lead into the break, thanks in part to Jakobi Heady's 15 first-half points. The Wildcats' offense was clicking, with 52 points in the first 20 minutes, while their defense held the Hornets to 39 points, 12 below their average over the last 5 games. Alabama State's Tyler Mack kept his team in the game with 12 first-half points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Wildcats' onslaught. The Hornets' 39 points in the first half were a reflection of their struggles on the road, where they have averaged 68.5 points per game over their last 4 away games.
Beyond the numbers, Jakobi Heady's performance was impressive, as he hit several big shots to keep the Hornets at bay. His 26 points were a game-high, and he was instrumental in the Wildcats' 13-2 run to start the second half, which effectively put the game out of reach. Daniel Rouzan and Quentin Heady also chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively, as the Wildcats' balanced attack proved too much for the Hornets to handle. On the other hand, Tyler Mack's 21 points were not enough to lead the Hornets to victory, as he received little support from his teammates, with Jerquarius Stanback being the only other player to score in double figures with 13 points.
As the game wore on, it became clear that the CHD Scout's prediction of a 5-point Bethune-Cookman victory was on the money. The Wildcats' ability to score in transition and their dominance on the glass, outrebounding the Hornets 35-28, were key factors in their victory. The Hornets, on the other hand, struggled to contain the Wildcats' offense, which shot 51.9% from the field, including 42.9% from three-point range.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The CHD Scout's prediction was correct, and it's easy to see why. The Wildcats' recent form, which included a 79-69 win over Texas Southern and an 82-76 victory over Prairie View A&M, suggested that they were a team on the rise. Meanwhile, the Hornets' struggles on the road, where they have lost 4 of their last 5 games, made them a vulnerable opponent. The scout's model likely took into account these trends, as well as the Wildcats' strong rebounding and transition offense, to predict a Bethune-Cookman victory.
The second half was a more defensive-minded affair, with both teams struggling to score. The Wildcats' 30 second-half points were their lowest total in any half this season, but it was enough to secure the win. The Hornets, on the other hand, were unable to mount a significant comeback, scoring just 32 points in the second half. The Wildcats' defense, which has allowed an average of 71 points per game over their last 5 outings, was solid, holding the Hornets to 40.7% shooting from the field.
This win is significant for the Wildcats, as it improves their NET ranking to 262 and gives them a much-needed Quadrant 4 victory. While they are still unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament, this win keeps them in the mix for a potential NIT berth. The Hornets, on the other hand, are all but eliminated from postseason contention, with their NET ranking falling to 310. This loss, combined with their recent struggles on the road, makes it unlikely that they will be able to turn their season around and make a push for the tournament.
The Wildcats' victory was also a reflection of their strength at home, where they have won 4 of their last 5 games. Their 14-13 record may not be impressive, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their 80-62 win over Alabama A&M and their 79-69 victory over Texas Southern. With this win, the Wildcats have solidified their position as a mid-tier team in their conference, and they want to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. The Hornets, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their season and make a push for the tournament. With 5 games remaining, they must win at least 3 of them to have any chance of making the postseason.
In the end, the Wildcats' 82-71 victory over the Hornets was a dominating performance that showed their strength and depth. With Jakobi Heady leading the way, the Wildcats were able to overcome a strong effort from Tyler Mack and the Hornets, and secure a much-needed win. As the season winds down, the Wildcats want to build on this momentum and make a push for the postseason, while the Hornets must regroup and refocus if they hope to salvage their season. The Wildcats' 11-point margin of victory was a reflection of their strength, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in their remaining games. With an average margin of 5.4 points over their last 5 games, the Wildcats are a team to watch in the final stretch of the season.