In a stunning turn of events, Dartmouth pulled off a massive upset at Newman Arena, defeating Cornell 102-91. The Big Green's victory marked a significant upset, as they took down a Cornell team that boasted a considerably higher net ranking. The win was all the more impressive given Cornell's strong first-half performance, which saw them trail by just four points at halftime, 55-51.
Jake Fiegen was unstoppable for Cornell, pouring in 33 points and grabbing six rebounds in a valiant effort. However, his outstanding performance was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Big Green. Jayden Williams led the charge for Dartmouth, scoring 24 points and setting the tone for his team's high-powered offense. Connor Amundsen and Brandon Mitchell-Day also made significant contributions, with Amundsen tallying 23 points and 10 assists, and Mitchell-Day adding 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage until the latter stages of the second half. Dartmouth's ability to maintain their pace and composure ultimately paid off, as they outscored Cornell 47-40 in the second half to secure the 11-point victory.
The upset win has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Dartmouth, the victory is a major boost to their resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 3 win. The Big Green's net ranking of 234 will likely see a significant improvement, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season. On the other hand, the loss is a disappointing setback for Cornell, who suffered a Quadrant 4 defeat. The Big Red's net ranking of 176 will likely take a hit, and they must regroup and refocus in order to get their season back on track.
Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that Dartmouth's victory came as a surprise to many. However, the Big Green's impressive performance and ability to close out the game will undoubtedly earn them respect and attention from fans and pundits alike. As the season progresses, Dartmouth want to continue their strong play and make a push for a tournament berth. For now, they can bask in the glory of their impressive upset victory over a higher-ranked opponent. The win is a reflection of the team's resilience and determination, and it will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their tournament chances as the season draws to a close.