In a shocking turn of events, Rhode Island pulled off a stunning 74-65 upset over 18-2 George Mason at the Thomas M. Ryan Center. The Rams, led by Jahmere Tripp's impressive 23-point, 7-rebound performance, handed the Patriots their second loss of the season. This monumental victory marks a significant milestone for Rhode Island, as they took down a team that was expected to dominate.
Coming into the game, CHD Scout predicted a narrow George Mason win by just 0.1 points, but Rhode Island had other plans. The Rams trailed by only one point at halftime, with the score sitting at 33-32 in favor of George Mason. However, Rhode Island came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Patriots 42-32 to secure the 9-point victory. Tyler Cochran and Jonah Hinton also made significant contributions, scoring 20 and 13 points, respectively, to help propel the Rams to victory.
Kory Mincy was the top performer for George Mason, tallying 19 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rams' balanced attack. Jahari Long and Emmanuel Kanga also chipped in with 11 and 9 points, respectively, but the Patriots' usually potent offense was held in check by Rhode Island's stifling defense.
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The loss is a significant setback for George Mason, which had been riding high with an 18-1 record prior to the game. The Patriots' tournament chances are still intact, but this upset loss will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows among the selection committee. On the other hand, Rhode Island's win is a massive boost to their resume, as it marks a Quadrant 2 victory. The Rams' current NET ranking of 133 will likely see a significant bump, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue their season.
This upset victory will have major implications for both teams' tournament chances. George Mason, despite the loss, remains a strong contender, but they must regroup and refocus to avoid any further slip-ups. Rhode Island, on the other hand, has injected new life into their season, and this win will be a crucial factor in their postseason resume. As the season enters its final stretch, the Rams want to capitalize on this momentum and make a push for a tournament berth. The Quadrant 2 win will be a valuable addition to their resume, and they will hope to parlay this upset into a successful finish to the season.