The Elon Phoenix pulled off a stunning 81-78 upset over the William and Mary Tribe, with Bryson Cokley leading the charge with 29 points. This victory marked a significant 3-point margin for Elon, who improved to 14-13 overall. The William and Mary Tribe, now 16-10, suffered a tough loss as a NET-ranked 110 team, falling to a lower-ranked opponent with a NET ranking of 199. Elon's win was a major upset, considering the 89-spot difference in NET rankings.
Bryson Cokley's 29 Points Mark Season High for Elon
The Elon Phoenix took an early 43-36 lead at halftime, thanks to Cokley's 18 first-half points. The William and Mary Tribe fought back in the second half, scoring 42 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Kyle Pulliam led the Tribe with 18 points, while Jo'el Emanuel added 13 points and 7 rebounds. The game saw several key runs, including a 10-2 Elon stretch midway through the first half, which helped the Phoenix build their lead. Elon's 43 first-half points were the most they've scored in a half this season, and it ultimately was the difference-maker.
Bryson Cokley and Kyle Pulliam were the top performers in this matchup, with Cokley scoring 29 points and Pulliam adding 18 points. Cokley's 29 points marked a season high, and his performance was instrumental in Elon's upset victory. Chandler Cuthrell also had a strong game for Elon, scoring 17 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. For the Tribe, Reese Miller chipped in with 15 points, while Emanuel's 13 points and 7 rebounds made him a key contributor. Cokley's 29 points were the most by an Elon player this season, and his 10 field goals made were a game high.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The Elon Phoenix shot 51.9% from the field, including 42.9% from 3-point range, to secure their upset victory. The William and Mary Tribe, on the other hand, shot 45.5% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. Elon also outrebounded the Tribe 34-31, with Cuthrell's 8 rebounds leading the way. The Phoenix committed 12 turnovers, while the Tribe had 10. Elon's 81 points were the most they've scored against a Division I opponent this season, and their 43 first-half points were the most they've scored in a half this season.
The CHD Scout predicted a William and Mary victory by 11 points, with a final score of 85-74. However, the actual result was a 3-point Elon win, making the prediction incorrect. The CHD Scout missed the mark by 14 points, highlighting the unpredictability of this matchup. This upset win for Elon will likely impact their NET ranking, potentially moving them up from their current 199 ranking. The 11-point predicted margin was a significant miscalculation, and the actual 3-point margin was a surprise to many.
This loss was a Quadrant 4 game for the William and Mary Tribe, who fell to a lower-ranked opponent. For the Elon Phoenix, this win was a Quadrant 2 victory, which will significantly boost their resume. The Tribe's NET ranking of 110 will likely take a hit, while Elon's ranking of 199 could see a significant improvement. This upset win will also impact the tournament picture, as Elon improves to 14-13 overall and gains momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The Tribe's 16-10 record must be reassessed in light of this loss, and their chances of making the tournament may have taken a hit.
The Elon Phoenix want to build on this momentum as they face their next opponent, while the William and Mary Tribe will aim to bounce back from this tough loss. Elon's next game is scheduled for February 17th against the UNC Wilmington Seahawks, while the Tribe will face the Hofstra Pride on February 19th. The Phoenix want to carry their 51.9% field goal percentage into their next game, while the Tribe will aim to improve their 45.5% field goal percentage.