In a shocking turn of events, Alabama State pulled off a stunning 94-80 upset over Prairie View A&M at the William Nicks Building, defying pre-game predictions and sending a statement to the rest of the league. The Hornets, ranked 313th in the net rankings, dominated the Panthers, who were expected to win by 5.3 points according to CHD Scout's prediction. Instead, Alabama State's high-powered offense led by Micah Simpson's 23 points, proved too much for Prairie View A&M to handle.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Alabama State racing out to a 52-45 halftime lead. The Hornets' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Simpson and Asjon Anderson, who added 19 points and 6 assists, leading the charge. Prairie View A&M's Dontae Horne did his best to keep the Panthers in the game, scoring 30 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hornets' balanced attack.
In the second half, Alabama State continued to push the pace, outscoring Prairie View A&M 42-35 to seal the 14-point victory. The Hornets' Jerquarius Stanback chipped in with 13 points and 8 rebounds, providing a crucial spark off the bench. Meanwhile, Prairie View A&M's supporting cast struggled to find their rhythm, with only Joey Madimba and Cory Wells managing to crack double digits with 12 and 9 points, respectively.
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The loss is a significant setback for Prairie View A&M, who were expected to win this game and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Instead, they suffer a Quad 4 loss, which could have major implications for their tournament chances. On the other hand, Alabama State's upset victory is a huge boost to their resume, even if it is still a Quad 4 win. The Hornets' ability to go on the road and take down a team ranked higher than them in the net rankings is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction was woefully inaccurate, as Alabama State's dominant performance caught many off guard. The actual margin of 14 points was nearly triple the predicted margin, highlighting the unpredictability of college basketball. As the season enters its final stretch, games like this serve as a reminder that anything can happen on any given night.
The resume implications of this result are clear: Alabama State's upset victory gives them a much-needed boost, even if it is still a Quad 4 win. For Prairie View A&M, the loss is a significant blow, and they must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, games like this matters in determining which teams will be dancing in March.