Lehigh Stuns Colgate in Thrilling 77-76 Upset

In a stunning turn of events, Lehigh pulled off a monumental upset at Stabler Arena, taking down Colgate 77-76 in a nail-biting contest. The Mountain Hawks, ranked 297 in the net rankings, defied all expectations by toppling the 201-ranked Raiders, who were predicted to win by a slim 0.1 margin according to CHD Scout. The actual outcome was a far cry from the predicted score of 75-75, with Lehigh emerging victorious by a single point.

Nasir Whitlock was the catalyst behind Lehigh's incredible win, exploding for 32 points to lead his team to victory. The Mountain Hawks' star player was unstoppable, and his performance was complemented by solid contributions from Edouard Benoit, who chipped in with 11 points and 9 rebounds, and Andrew Urosevic, who added 11 points of his own. On the other side, Jalen Cox was a force to be reckoned with for Colgate, scoring 34 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a valiant effort. Andrew Alekseyenko also impressed for the Raiders, posting a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. Lehigh took a 37-34 lead into halftime, but Colgate refused to back down, pushing the pace in the second half. The Raiders' efforts ultimately fell just short, as the Mountain Hawks held on for the win. The final minutes were a whirlwind of action, with both teams creating scoring opportunities and playing tenacious defense. In the end, it was Lehigh's resilience that paid off, as they secured the upset victory.

The implications of this result are significant, particularly for Lehigh's tournament chances. While the Mountain Hawks still have a long way to go, this win will undoubtedly boost their confidence and provide a much-needed shot in the arm. For Colgate, the loss is a setback, but not a devastating blow. The Raiders want to regroup and refocus as they continue their pursuit of a postseason berth.

This matchup was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, and the outcome will have a notable impact on their respective resumes. Lehigh's win will be viewed as a positive, albeit unexpected, addition to their profile, while Colgate will lament the missed opportunity to secure a more impressive victory. As the season wears on, the Mountain Hawks want to build on this momentum, while the Raiders will aim to bounce back from the tough loss. For now, Lehigh can savor the taste of a monumental upset, one that will undoubtedly be remembered for the rest of the season.