In a shocking turn of events, Mercyhurst took down Central Connecticut State 79-61, pulling off a significant upset at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. The Lakers, ranked 292 in the net rankings, dominated the Blue Devils, ranked 253, from start to finish, defying the pre-game prediction that had Central Connecticut State as a narrow favorite. CHD Scout had predicted a close contest, with Central Connecticut State winning by just 0.5 points, but the actual outcome was far more one-sided.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with Mercyhurst building a commanding 42-28 lead. The Lakers' high-powered offense, led by Bernie Blunt III's 20 points and 5 rebounds, proved too much for the Blue Devils to handle. Blunt III was unstoppable, knocking down shots from all over the court and leading his team to a convincing victory. Jake Lemelman and Qadir Martin also made significant contributions, with Lemelman adding 20 points and 6 assists, and Martin chipping in with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
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On the other side, Central Connecticut State's Darin Smith Jr. did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' balanced attack. Max Frazier and Melo Sanchez also reached double figures for the Blue Devils, with 12 points each, but their efforts were ultimately in vain.
The 18-point margin of victory was a reflection of Mercyhurst's dominance, and the Lakers' performance will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the college basketball world. This was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, and the loss will likely have a significant impact on Central Connecticut State's tournament chances. For Mercyhurst, the win is a much-needed boost to their resume, but it may not be enough to move the needle in terms of their own postseason aspirations.
As it stands, Central Connecticut State's net ranking of 253 will likely take a hit after this loss, while Mercyhurst's ranking of 292 may see a slight improvement. However, with both teams still firmly entrenched in Quadrant 4, it's clear that this result will have limited implications for their tournament chances. Nevertheless, the Lakers' upset victory will be a welcome morale boost, and they want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. For Central Connecticut State, the loss serves as a wake-up call, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason.