East Tennessee State asserted its dominance over VMI from the outset, building a 40-33 lead by halftime and never looking back. The Buccaneers' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Blake Barkley leading the charge. The star forward posted an impressive double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to propel East Tennessee State to an 87-70 victory. Linus Holmstrom was the lone bright spot for VMI, scoring 20 points in a losing effort.
Blake Barkley's Double-Double Marks 10th of the Season
The game was essentially decided in the first half, as East Tennessee State's stifling defense held VMI to just 33 points. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were efficient on offense, with Cam Morris III and Maki Johnson chipping in 16 and 15 points, respectively. VMI attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but East Tennessee State's lead proved insurmountable. The Buccaneers outscored the Keydets 47-37 in the final 20 minutes, cruising to a 17-point win.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had East Tennessee State winning by 25.5 points, and while the final margin was slightly smaller, the outcome was never in doubt. The Buccaneers' victory was a reflection of their superior talent and depth, as they improved to 17-7 on the season. VMI, meanwhile, fell to 6-18 and saw its already slim tournament hopes dwindle further.
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Final
The loss was a Quadrant 3 game for VMI, while East Tennessee State notched a Quadrant 4 win. While the victory may not significantly boost the Buccaneers' tournament resume, it does help to pad their win total and maintain their position in the conference standings. For VMI, the defeat serves as a reminder of the program's ongoing struggles, with the Keydets now boasting a 358 net ranking.
As the season enters its final stretch, East Tennessee State want to build on this momentum and make a push for a higher seed in the conference tournament. With Blake Barkley leading the way, the Buccaneers have the talent and depth to make a deep run. VMI, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if it hopes to salvage its season and avoid a last-place finish in the conference.
The Buccaneers' convincing win over VMI serves as a reminder of their dominance in the conference, and they want to carry this momentum forward as they pursue a tournament bid. With their net ranking sitting at 117, East Tennessee State is firmly in the mix for a postseason spot, and performances like this will only help to bolster their case.