In a shocking turn of events, Florida International traveled to the Pan American Center and handed New Mexico State a devastating 81-78 defeat, pulling off a monumental upset that will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. The Panthers, ranked 198th in the net rankings, took down the 140th-ranked Aggies, defying the odds and silencing the home crowd.
Elijah Elliott did everything in his power to prevent the upset, scoring 26 points to lead New Mexico State, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Florida International. Corey Stephenson was the catalyst for the Panthers, notching 25 points and 12 rebounds to propel his team to victory. The junior forward was unstoppable at times, using his quickness and agility to outmaneuver the Aggie defenders and get to the rim.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Florida International taking a 40-31 lead into the halftime break. New Mexico State rallied in the second half, with Elliott and Jemel Jones leading the charge, but the Panthers refused to back down. Julian Mackey and Zawdie Jackson provided crucial support for Stephenson, combining for 22 points to help seal the win.
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The victory is a significant one for Florida International, not only because of the upset nature of the win but also due to the fact that it was predicted to lose by 8.2 points, according to CHD Scout. The actual outcome was a far cry from the predicted score, with the Panthers outscoring the Aggies by three points. This result will undoubtedly boost the Panthers' confidence and provide a much-needed boost to their resume.
The loss, on the other hand, is a tough pill to swallow for New Mexico State, which was expected to dominate at home. The Aggies' Quad 4 loss will undoubtedly hurt their tournament chances, while the Panthers' Quad 3 win will give them a much-needed shot in the arm. As the season wears on, this win could be a crucial factor in determining Florida International's postseason fate.
In the end, Florida International's upset win over New Mexico State will be remembered as one of the most significant victories of the season. The Panthers' ability to go on the road and take down a higher-ranked opponent is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As for their tournament chances, this win has significantly improved their resume, and they want to build on this momentum in the coming weeks. The loss, meanwhile, will force New Mexico State to regroup and refocus, as they look to bounce back from this stunning upset.