In a stunning turn of events, American University pulled off a monumental upset at Bender Arena, taking down Colgate 70-66. The Eagles, ranked 235th in the net rankings, defied expectations and handed the 191st-ranked Raiders a Quad 3 loss. This outcome is a significant blow to Colgate's tournament resume, while American University secures a much-needed Quad 4 win.
The game got off to a fiery start, with Colgate taking a 34-31 lead into halftime. Jalen Cox was unstoppable, scoring 21 points to lead all scorers. However, American University's Wyatt Nausadis had other plans, leading the Eagles' charge with 13 points. Madden Collins and Geoff Sprouse also made significant contributions, scoring 12 points each, with Collins adding 12 rebounds to his tally.
As the second half unfolded, American University found its rhythm, outscoring Colgate 39-32. The Eagles' balanced attack and relentless defense proved too much for the Raiders to handle. Despite Colgate's best efforts, they couldn't overcome the Eagles' surge. Josh Ahayere and Andrew Alekseyenko tried to keep pace, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Colgate narrowly edging American University by 0.6 points, but the actual outcome was a far cry from that forecast. The Eagles' victory serves as a reflection of their resilience and determination. By taking down a team ranked 44 spots above them in the net rankings, American University sends a strong message about its capabilities.
This upset has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Colgate, the loss is a Quad 3 setback, which could hurt their chances of securing an at-large bid. On the other hand, American University's Quad 4 win is a welcome addition to their resume, but they still have a long way to go to become a serious tournament contender.
As the season progresses, American University want to build on this momentum, while Colgate will aim to bounce back from this disappointing loss. The Eagles' victory serves as a reminder that, on any given day, a lower-ranked team can rise to the occasion and take down a higher-ranked opponent. With this win, American University improves to 12-8, while Colgate drops to 11-9. The Eagles' resume now boasts a notable upset, but they'll need to continue performing at a high level to make a lasting impact on the tournament landscape.