In a stunning turn of events, Cleveland State pulled off a monumental upset over Milwaukee, taking down the Panthers 90-88 at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. This outcome sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as Cleveland State, ranked 306 in the net rankings, handed Milwaukee, ranked 232, a devastating loss. The Vikings' victory marked a significant upset, with CHD Scout's pre-game prediction proving woefully incorrect, as they had Milwaukee winning by 7.9 points.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Cleveland State taking a 44-39 lead into halftime. Jaidon Lipscomb led the charge for the Vikings, scoring 21 points on the night, including several crucial baskets that helped his team maintain their advantage. However, Milwaukee refused to back down, with Stevie Elam pouring in 21 points of his own to keep the Panthers within striking distance. Aaron Franklin also made his presence felt, tallying 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in a impressive all-around performance.
As the second half unfolded, the intensity only increased, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a decisive edge. Cleveland State's Dayan Nessah was a difference-maker, notching 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists to help the Vikings stay ahead. Meanwhile, Josh Dixon added 19 points for Milwaukee, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vikings' balanced attack. Chevalier Emery chipped in with 17 points for Cleveland State, as the Vikings' depth and determination ultimately paid off.
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The loss is a significant blow to Milwaukee's tournament chances, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 defeat. On the other hand, Cleveland State can breathe a sigh of relief, as this win falls into Quadrant 3 for the Vikings. While it's unlikely to drastically alter their postseason prospects, it's a much-needed boost to their resume. For a team that was expected to struggle against a supposedly superior opponent, Cleveland State's victory is a reflection of their resilience and determination.
In the end, Cleveland State's upset win over Milwaukee will be remembered as one of the most surprising results of the season. The Vikings' ability to overcome the odds and emerge victorious on the road is a remarkable achievement, and one that will undoubtedly give them a much-needed confidence boost as they head into the final stretch of the season. As for Milwaukee, they'll need to regroup and refocus in order to salvage their tournament hopes. For now, though, the Panthers are left to ponder what might have been, as they succumbed to a Cleveland State team that refused to back down. This result will undoubtedly have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond in the coming weeks.