The Evansville Purple Aces pulled off a stunning upset at the Hulman Center, taking down the Indiana State Sycamores 72-69 in a thriller. This victory is a significant statement for the Purple Aces, as they entered the contest with a 5-15 record and a net ranking of 285, compared to Indiana State's 9-12 mark and 215 net ranking. The Sycamores, heavily favored at home, were expected to cruise past their opponents, but Evansville had other plans.
Ian Scott led the charge for Indiana State, posting an impressive 24 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Purple Aces. Leif Moeller was the catalyst for Evansville, recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in a masterful performance. AJ Casey also chipped in with 17 points, while Joshua Hughes added 14 points and 6 rebounds to help seal the deal.
At halftime, Indiana State held a slim 38-35 advantage, but Evansville came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Sycamores 37-31 to complete the upset. The Purple Aces' victory is a reflection of their resilience and determination, as they battled against a team that was expected to dominate them.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow for Indiana State, as it falls into the quadrant 4 category, which could have real consequences for their tournament chances. On the other hand, Evansville's win is a quadrant 3 victory, which is a notable addition to their resume. Although the Purple Aces still have a long way to go, this upset win could be a turning point in their season, providing a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum.
The absence of a pre-game prediction only adds to the shock value of this result, as Evansville was not expected to give Indiana State a run for their money. However, the Purple Aces proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, and their performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the season.
As the season progresses, Evansville's upset win will be a crucial part of their tournament resume. Although they still face an uphill battle, the Purple Aces have shown that they can compete with higher-ranked teams, and this victory will undoubtedly be a talking point when discussing their postseason chances. For Indiana State, the loss is a setback, but they must regroup and refocus to get their season back on track. The implications of this result will be felt for weeks to come, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond to this stunning upset.