Bethune-Cookman put on a show at the Event Center, taking down Alabama A&M 80-62 in a convincing victory. The Wildcats' high-powered offense was on full display, with Jakobi Heady leading the charge with 19 points. Koron Davis tried to keep Alabama A&M in the game, scoring 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Bethune-Cookman.
The first half was all Bethune-Cookman, as they built a 42-32 lead behind a strong team effort. The Wildcats' offense was clicking, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort. Arterio Morris and Doctor Bradley were among those who chipped in, with Morris scoring 16 points and Bradley adding 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alabama A&M, on the other hand, struggled to find a rhythm, with Davis being the lone bright spot.
The second half was more of the same, as Bethune-Cookman continued to pull away from Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs tried to mount a comeback, but the Wildcats' defense was too strong, holding them to just 30 points in the half. James Graham III and Angok Anyang tried to provide a spark for Alabama A&M, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout predicted a close game, with Bethune-Cookman winning by just 1.9 points. However, the actual margin of victory was much larger, with the Wildcats dominating by 18 points. The prediction was correct in terms of the winner, but the margin of victory was much more convincing than expected.
This game was a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, which can be a tricky spot for teams looking to build their tournament resumes. However, for Bethune-Cookman, the win helps to bolster their profile, even if it's not a particularly impressive victory. The Wildcats' current net ranking of 243 is still a ways off from being considered a serious tournament contender, but they are at least trending in the right direction.
For Alabama A&M, the loss is a setback, but not a devastating one. The Bulldogs' net ranking of 298 is still a long way from being tournament-worthy, but they have shown flashes of potential throughout the season. This game was always going to be a tough one, and the loss doesn't necessarily derail their season. However, they must regroup and refocus if they want to make a push for a strong finish to the year.
In terms of tournament implications, this win doesn't necessarily move the needle for Bethune-Cookman, but it does help to build momentum. The Wildcats still have a long way to go if they want to be considered a serious tournament contender, but they are at least taking steps in the right direction. For now, they will focus on building on this win and trying to string together a few more victories to close out the season.