In a stunning turn of events, South Alabama pulled off a monumental upset at the Mitchell Center, taking down Arkansas State 91-87. The Jaguars, ranked 200th in the net rankings, defied expectations by handing the 146th-ranked Red Wolves a devastating loss. This victory marks a significant milestone for South Alabama, as they prove themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the college basketball landscape.
Chaze Harris was the star of the show, putting on a dazzling display with 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His impressive performance was the catalyst for the Jaguars' success, as they battled back from a narrow 36-32 deficit at halftime. Harris's teammates, Adam Olsen and Jayden Cooper, also made significant contributions, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Arkansas State's Jaxon Ellingsworth had a standout game, notching 18 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to propel his team to victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive advantage. However, South Alabama's relentless pressure and clutch shooting ultimately paid off, as they outscored Arkansas State 49-45 in the second half. The Jaguars' ability to adapt and overcome was on full display, as they withstood a late surge from the Red Wolves to emerge victorious.
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. South Alabama's win is a significant boost to their resume, particularly given that it was a Quadrant 3 victory. Conversely, Arkansas State's loss will likely have a negative impact on their tournament chances, as they suffer a Quadrant 3 defeat. The Red Wolves must regroup and refocus in order to bounce back from this setback.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that South Alabama exceeded expectations in a major way. Their ability to take down a team ranked significantly higher than them is a reflection of their skill and determination. As the season progresses, the Jaguars want to build on this momentum and make a push for a tournament berth.
The resume implications of this result are substantial. South Alabama's Quadrant 3 win over Arkansas State will undoubtedly strengthen their tournament profile, while the Red Wolves must work to recover from this loss. With the Jaguars' net ranking likely to improve, they will be an intriguing team to watch in the coming weeks. As for Arkansas State, they must reassess their strategy and find a way to bounce back from this disappointing defeat. One thing is certain, however: South Alabama's upset victory over Arkansas State will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the college basketball season.