Colgate asserted its dominance over Bucknell at Cotterell Court, cruising to a 95-76 victory. The Raiders' impressive performance was spearheaded by Andrew Alekseyenko, who scored 22 points to lead all players. This convincing win marked a strong outing for Colgate, which improved its record to 12-9.
From the outset, Colgate dictated the pace, taking a 43-32 lead into halftime. The Raiders' offense was clicking, with Alekseyenko and Sam Wright, who added 17 points and 6 rebounds, forming a potent duo. Ben Tweedy also chipped in with 14 points and 5 rebounds, showcasing Colgate's depth. The Raiders' balanced attack allowed them to maintain a comfortable margin throughout the second half, ultimately outscoring Bucknell 52-44 in the period.
Bucknell, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace despite a valiant effort from Pat Curtin, who scored 18 points. Amon Dörries and Achile Spadone also made significant contributions, with 15 points and 13 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome Colgate's onslaught. The Bison's record fell to 6-15, a reflection of the challenges they've faced this season.
The game unfolded with Colgate making a statement in the first half, using a combination of strong defense and efficient offense to build their lead. As the second half progressed, the Raiders continued to pull away, never allowing Bucknell to mount a serious comeback. This decisive victory demonstrated Colgate's ability to take care of business against a lesser opponent, a crucial aspect of building a strong resume.
While this win was expected, given the disparity in the teams' records and rankings – Colgate sits at 201 in the net rankings, while Bucknell is at 335 – it still holds significance for the Raiders' tournament chances. However, as a Quadrant 4 victory, its impact on Colgate's resume is somewhat limited. For Bucknell, the loss was classified as a Quadrant 3 game, which won't severely harm their already slim tournament hopes but doesn't provide much of a boost either.
In terms of resume implications, Colgate's win over Bucknell, while convincing, doesn't drastically alter their tournament outlook. The Raiders still need to accumulate more significant victories, particularly in Quadrant 1 and 2 games, to bolster their case for a postseason berth. This result, however, does prevent a potentially damaging loss, which is crucial in maintaining a competitive profile. For Bucknell, the focus remains on finding consistency and pulling off upsets to revive their fading tournament aspirations. As the season progresses, both teams want to capitalize on upcoming opportunities to strengthen their positions.