Bethune-Cookman delivered a resounding 69-54 victory over Alabama State at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, led by Jakobi Heady's impressive 18 points and 6 rebounds. The Wildcats' strong performance in the second half, where they outscored Alabama State 40-25, was the decisive factor in the game.
At halftime, the score was tied at 29-29, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, Bethune-Cookman came out strong in the second half, with Heady and Doctor Bradley, who added 13 points and 10 rebounds, leading the charge. The duo's combined efforts helped the Wildcats pull away from Alabama State, which was unable to keep pace.
Micah Simpson was the lone bright spot for Alabama State, scoring 16 points in a losing effort. Tyler Byrd chipped in with 13 points and 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Bethune-Cookman. The Hornets' inability to contain the Wildcats' offense, particularly in the second half, ultimately led to their downfall.
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Final
The outcome was a surprise to some, as CHD Scout had predicted Alabama State to win by 3.2 points. However, the actual result was a 15-point victory for Bethune-Cookman, highlighting the unpredictability of college basketball. The Wildcats' dominant performance should give them a boost of confidence as they continue their season.
The win improves Bethune-Cookman's record to 10-11, while Alabama State falls to 6-15. In terms of tournament implications, this game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams. While it may not have been a high-profile contest, the victory is still a valuable addition to Bethune-Cookman's resume. With a current net ranking of 253, the Wildcats want to build on this momentum and secure more wins to strengthen their tournament chances.
For Alabama State, the loss is a setback, but it's essential to remember that the Hornets were significant underdogs in terms of net ranking, sitting at 320. This Quadrant 4 loss won't drastically impact their already slim tournament hopes, but it does underscore the need for improvement if they want to compete with stronger opponents. As for Bethune-Cookman, this win is a step in the right direction, and they'll look to capitalize on this momentum to make a push for a postseason berth.