In a shocking turn of events, South Carolina State pulled off a monumental upset, taking down Delaware State 70-64 at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. This victory is all the more stunning considering the Bulldogs' lackluster 5-16 record coming into the game, which made them significant underdogs against their similarly struggling opponents. Despite being predicted to win by a mere 3 points by CHD Scout, South Carolina State managed to exceed expectations and secure a 6-point victory, defying the odds and sending a statement to the rest of the league.
The first half saw the Bulldogs take control, with Owen Bronston Jr. leading the charge. He scored 15 points on the night, including several crucial baskets that helped his team build a 32-25 halftime lead. Jayden Johnson and James Morrow also made significant contributions, scoring 14 points each and helping to stretch the defense with their outside shooting. Meanwhile, Delaware State struggled to find their rhythm, with Dean Shepherd's 14 points being a rare bright spot in an otherwise lackluster half.
The second half saw Delaware State mount a fierce comeback, with Zion Bethea and Miles Webb joining Shepherd in a concerted effort to close the gap. The Hornets outscored the Bulldogs 39-38 in the period, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. South Carolina State's ability to maintain their composure and make clutch plays late was the difference-maker, as they held on for the 6-point win.
CHD Scout Report Card
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CHD Scout's pre-game prediction of a 3-point South Carolina State victory was remarkably prescient, as the Bulldogs managed to win by exactly 3 points more than expected. This level of accuracy is a reflection of the predictive model's effectiveness, and it will be interesting to see how it performs in future games.
This upset victory has real consequences for both teams' resumes, particularly in the context of tournament chances. For South Carolina State, this win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry much weight in the eyes of the selection committee. However, it is still a much-needed confidence boost for a team that has struggled to find consistency all season. On the other hand, Delaware State's loss is also a Quadrant 4 defeat, which could potentially hurt their already slim tournament hopes. As the season wears on, both teams must string together more victories like this one if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
In the end, South Carolina State's upset victory over Delaware State will be remembered as a monumental achievement, one that showcases the team's resilience and determination. While it may not have a major impact on the tournament landscape, it is still a significant win that could help to galvanize the Bulldogs and propel them to greater heights in the coming weeks. As for now, they will bask in the glory of this hard-fought victory, and look to build on the momentum it has generated.