Canisius Golden Griffins Hold Off Rider Broncs 72-66 Behind Ndjonga's 21 Points

The Canisius Golden Griffins came into the Alumni Gymnasium and took care of business, defeating the Rider Broncs 72-66, in a game that saw the visitors take control early, scoring 40 points in the first half, led by Bryan Ndjonga's 11 points. Rider, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, scoring just 30 points in the first half, with Flash Burton leading the way with 10 points. The Broncs have been struggling lately, losing 4 of their last 5 games, and it showed in their performance, as they were outscored by an average of 14.6 points in those contests. Canisius, despite losing all 5 of their previous games, seemed to have found their footing, with a balanced attack that saw three players score in double figures. The Golden Griffins' 72 points were the most they've scored in their last 5 games, and it was a much-needed boost for a team that had been averaging just 61.4 points per game over that stretch.

As the game wore on, Rider began to find their footing, with Burton and Zion Cruz leading the charge, scoring 12 and 10 points respectively in the second half. However, Canisius was able to maintain their lead, thanks in large part to the play of Ndjonga and Kahlil Singleton, who scored 10 and 9 points respectively in the second half. The Golden Griffins' ability to close out the game was a welcome change for a team that had been struggling to finish games, having lost their previous 5 contests. Rider, on the other hand, was unable to overcome their slow start, and despite outscoring Canisius 36-32 in the second half, they were unable to mount a serious comeback. The Broncs' 66 points were a slight improvement over their average of 62 points per game over their last 5 contests, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

The star performers in this game were undoubtedly Ndjonga and Singleton for Canisius, who combined for 41 points and 12 rebounds. Ndjonga's 21 points and 6 rebounds were a major factor in the Golden Griffins' win, as he was able to score from both inside and outside the paint. Singleton's 20 points and 6 rebounds were also crucial, as he was able to provide a spark off the bench and help Canisius maintain their lead. For Rider, Burton's 22 points and Cruz's 19 points were not enough to overcome the team's slow start. Burton's performance was particularly impressive, as he was able to score from all over the court, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The play of Shemani Fuller, who scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, was also notable, but it was not enough to make a significant impact on the game.

The CHD Scout predicted Canisius to win by 3.5 points, and they were correct, as the Golden Griffins won by 6 points.

The reason for this correct prediction was the fact that Canisius was able to maintain their lead throughout the game, thanks in large part to their balanced attack and ability to close out the game. Rider, on the other hand, was unable to overcome their slow start, and despite a strong second half, they were unable to mount a serious comeback. The model was able to accurately predict the outcome of the game, as it took into account the recent form of both teams, with Canisius having lost all 5 of their previous games, and Rider having lost 4 of their last 5. The model also accounted for the fact that Canisius had been struggling to score, averaging just 61.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, but was able to find their footing in this game, scoring 72 points.

The win for Canisius is a significant one, as it improves their record to 9-19 on the season, and gives them a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the season. For Rider, the loss is a tough one, as it drops them to 3-23 on the season, and makes it increasingly unlikely that they will be able to turn their season around. The Broncs have been struggling to find consistency, and this loss is just another example of that. Canisius, on the other hand, is looking to build on this win, and make a push for a better seed in the conference tournament. With 72 points in this game, Canisius was able to exceed their average of 61.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain this level of scoring in their upcoming games.

The impact of this win on Canisius' resume is significant, as it gives them a much-needed Quadrant 4 win, and improves their NET ranking to 348. The win also gives Canisius a boost in terms of their tournament picture, as it makes them a more attractive opponent for other teams. However, it's worth noting that Canisius is still a long shot to make the tournament, and must win out and get some help from other teams in order to have a chance. For Rider, the loss is a significant blow to their already slim tournament hopes, and makes it increasingly unlikely that they will be able to make a push for a tournament bid. The Broncs' NET ranking of 357 is a major concern, and they must win out and get some help from other teams in order to have any chance of making the tournament. With a record of 3-23, Rider is facing an uphill battle, and this loss is just another example of the struggles they have been facing this season, having been outscored by an average of 14.6 points in their last 5 games.

In terms of the bigger picture, this win for Canisius is a significant one, as it gives them a much-needed boost heading into the final stretch of the season. The Golden Griffins have been struggling to find consistency, but this win shows that they are capable of beating teams that they are supposed to beat. For Rider, the loss is just another example of the struggles they have been facing this season, and it's clear that they have a long way to go in terms of rebuilding their program. With 9 wins on the season, Canisius is looking to build on this momentum, and make a push for a better seed in the conference tournament. The Golden Griffins' 72 points in this game were a significant improvement over their average of 61.4 points per game over their last 5 contests, and it will be interesting to see if they can maintain this level of scoring in their upcoming games. Rider, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus, as they look to finish out the season on a high note, having lost 4 of their last 5 games by an average margin of 14.6 points.