In a stunning turn of events, Stonehill pulled off a monumental upset at Merkert Gymnasium, taking down Central Connecticut State 61-59. The Skyhawks, who were predicted to lose by 2.7 points according to CHD Scout, defied the odds and handed the Blue Devils a devastating loss. This victory marks a significant milestone for Stonehill, as they secured a Quadrant 4 win, while Central Connecticut suffered a Quadrant 4 loss.
The game got off to a slow start, with Stonehill trailing 24-23 at halftime. However, the Skyhawks came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Blue Devils 38-35 to secure the win. Ridvan Tutic was instrumental in the victory, posting 12 points and 7 rebounds, while teammate Trenton Ruth also chipped in with 12 points. The duo's impressive performance was enough to overcome Central Connecticut's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures, including Darin Smith Jr., who led the Blue Devils with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
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The upset win is a significant boost to Stonehill's resume, as it marks a rare victory over a team with a higher net ranking. Central Connecticut, which boasted a 10-9 record coming into the game, was expected to dominate the Skyhawks, who had struggled to a 7-14 record. However, Stonehill's determination and grit paid off, as they managed to contain the Blue Devils' offense and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Central Connecticut winning by 2.7 points, was inaccurate, as Stonehill's strong team effort and clutch performances from Tutic and Ruth propelled them to the win. The loss is a setback for Central Connecticut, which had been looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
The implications of this result are significant, as Stonehill's win gives them a much-needed boost in the standings, while Central Connecticut's loss drops them to 10-10 on the season. For Stonehill, this Quadrant 4 win is a crucial addition to their tournament resume, as they look to make a push for a postseason berth. While the Skyhawks still have a long way to go, this upset victory demonstrates their ability to compete against tougher opponents and could be a turning point in their season. As for Central Connecticut, they must regroup and refocus, as they look to bounce back from this disappointing loss and get their season back on track.