In a shocking turn of events, Memphis handed Florida Atlantic a resounding 92-65 defeat at FedExForum, pulling off a massive upset that will undoubtedly send ripples through the college basketball landscape. The Tigers, who were predicted to lose by 1.3 points according to CHD Scout, proved the prognosticators wrong in emphatic fashion, dominating the Owls from start to finish.
Dug McDaniel was the catalyst for Memphis' upset, pouring in 23 points and dishing out 6 assists to lead the charge. The Tigers' guard was nearly unstoppable, slicing through the Florida Atlantic defense with ease and finding open teammates for easy baskets. Sincere Parker and Aaron Bradshaw also chipped in with 21 and 15 points, respectively, as Memphis' offense hummed like a well-oiled machine.
Despite the lopsided final score, Florida Atlantic's Josiah Parker did his best to keep the Owls in the game, recording a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. However, his efforts were ultimately for naught, as Memphis' balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the visitors to handle. Isaiah Elohim and Amar Amkou added 17 and 14 points, respectively, but it was not enough to stem the tide of the Tigers' onslaught.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The game was essentially over by halftime, with Memphis holding a 41-33 lead. The Tigers then put their foot on the gas in the second half, outscoring Florida Atlantic 51-32 to turn the contest into a rout. The 27-point margin of victory was a far cry from the predicted 1.3-point margin, and it's clear that CHD Scout underestimated the Tigers' potential.
This upset has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. For Memphis, the win represents a crucial Quadrant 3 victory, which could help bolster their chances of making a postseason push. On the other hand, Florida Atlantic's loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which may not be catastrophic but still hurts their chances of securing a high seed.
As it stands, Memphis' current net ranking of 120 will likely receive a boost from this upset, while Florida Atlantic's net ranking of 92 may take a hit. The Owls must regroup and refocus in order to get their season back on track, while the Tigers want to build on this momentum and make a push for the postseason. One thing is certain: this upset will have a lasting impact on the college basketball landscape, and both teams will be closely watched in the coming weeks.