In a shocking turn of events, Bellarmine traveled to Swisher Gymnasium and handed Jacksonville a 77-70 defeat, pulling off a significant upset. The Knights, ranked 300th in the net rankings, were not given much of a chance against the Dolphins, who sat at 287. However, Kenyon Goodin and company had other plans. Goodin led the charge with 24 points, outdueling Jacksonville's Hayden Wood, who finished with 21 points.
The game was closely contested from the start, with Bellarmine taking a slim 38-37 lead into halftime. The Knights' offense continued to click in the second half, scoring 39 points to secure the 7-point victory. Jacksonville's Jason Thirdkill Jr. added 17 points and 9 rebounds in a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knights' balanced attack. Jack Karasinski and Brian Waddell chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively, to support Goodin's standout performance.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Jacksonville winning by 2.9 points, but the Dolphins were unable to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Instead, Bellarmine's upset win will send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. The Knights' victory is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and it will undoubtedly be a significant boost to their confidence.
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As the season enters its critical stretch, this result will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Jacksonville, the loss is a Quad 4 defeat, which will likely hurt their chances of making a deep postseason run. On the other hand, Bellarmine's win, although also a Quad 4 game, will be a valuable addition to their resume. The Knights want to build on this momentum as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
The upset win will also raise questions about Jacksonville's positioning in the standings. Despite being favored, the Dolphins were unable to close out the game, and their 7-13 record will only add to the uncertainty surrounding their tournament prospects. Meanwhile, Bellarmine's 7-12 record will be viewed in a more positive light, given their ability to pull off an upset on the road.
In the end, Bellarmine's stunning victory will be remembered as one of the most significant upsets of the season. The Knights' ability to overcome the odds and secure a 7-point win on the road will be a crucial aspect of their tournament resume. As the season continues to unfold, this result will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining the fate of both teams. With this win, Bellarmine has injected new life into their season, and they want to capitalize on this momentum in their upcoming games.