In a shocking turn of events, Alabama State pulled off a stunning 79-66 upset over Florida A&M at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, leaving many to wonder how a team with a 7-15 record could dominate a matchup against a slightly better 8-12 opponent. The Hornets' victory was all the more impressive given that they were predicted to win by a mere 3.9 points, according to CHD Scout's pre-game forecast. Instead, Alabama State's margin of victory was a convincing 13 points, a reflection of their determination and skill on the court.
The first half saw Florida A&M take an early lead, with the Rattlers heading into halftime with a 35-29 advantage. However, Alabama State came out strong in the second half, outscoring their opponents 50-31 to seal the deal. Tyler Byrd was instrumental in the Hornets' comeback, scoring 17 points to lead his team to victory. Byrd's performance was complemented by Micah Simpson's 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, as well as Cameron Palesse's 14 points and 7 rebounds.
On the other side of the court, Florida A&M's Tyler Shirley put up a valiant effort, scoring 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Kaleb Washington added 18 points to the Rattlers' tally, while Micah Octave chipped in with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Despite these impressive individual performances, Florida A&M ultimately fell short against a determined Alabama State squad.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Alabama State winning by a narrow margin, but the actual outcome far exceeded expectations. The Hornets' dominant performance has real consequences for their tournament chances, as this victory counts as a Quadrant 4 win. While it may not be the most prestigious victory, it is still a much-needed win for a team looking to bolster its resume.
For Florida A&M, this loss is also a Quadrant 4 defeat, which may hinder their own tournament aspirations. The Rattlers' current net ranking of 318 makes it an uphill battle to secure a spot in the postseason. As for Alabama State, their current net ranking of 328 suggests they still have a long way to go, but this upset victory is a step in the right direction.
The resume implications of this result are clear: Alabama State's upset victory over Florida A&M may not be a marquee win, but it is a crucial one for a team looking to build momentum and make a push for the tournament. As the season enters its final stretch, the Hornets must continue to defy expectations and pull off more upsets if they hope to make a lasting impact on the college basketball landscape.