Stony Brook pulled off a monumental upset at Stony Brook Arena, taking down Charleston 112-106 in a game that will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. The Seawolves, ranked 235th in the net rankings, were expected to struggle against the 174th-ranked Cougars, but Erik Pratt had other plans. The standout guard exploded for 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading Stony Brook to a stunning victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. At halftime, Stony Brook held a slim 46-37 lead, but Charleston came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Seawolves 46-37 to send the game into overtime. The Cougars' Jlynn Counter was impressive, scoring 28 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Pratt's heroics.
In the extra period, Stony Brook seized control, outscoring Charleston 18-12 to seal the win. Richard Goods and Rob Brown III provided key support for Pratt, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively. The Seawolves' victory was all the more impressive given that they were facing a Charleston team that had been playing well, with a 13-8 record coming into the game.
The upset win is a massive boost to Stony Brook's resume, particularly given that it came against a Quadrant 3 opponent. For Charleston, the loss is a setback, as they had been hoping to build momentum with a win over a lower-ranked opponent. The Cougars must regroup and refocus, as they face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks.
The absence of a pre-game prediction only adds to the shock value of this upset, as few would have expected Stony Brook to come out on top. However, Pratt and the Seawolves had other plans, and their victory will send shockwaves through the college basketball world.
In terms of tournament implications, this win is a huge resume-builder for Stony Brook, even if it was a Quadrant 4 game. The Seawolves still have a long way to go, but this victory shows that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked opponents. For Charleston, the loss is a reminder that they still have work to do to solidify their tournament chances. As the season wears on, both teams want to build on this result, with Stony Brook hoping to use it as a springboard to further success, and Charleston seeking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat. This result will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the tournament chances of both teams, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond in the coming weeks.