The Cal State-Northridge Matadors delivered a resounding 84-60 upset victory over the Hawaii, Manoa Rainbow Warriors, a team ranked 89 in the NET rankings, 104 spots ahead of the Matadors' 193 ranking. This 24-point rout was a significant statement, as the Matadors improved to 16-10 on the season. Larry Hughes II led the charge with 27 points, while the Rainbow Warriors, now 18-6, struggled to contain the Matadors' offense, which scored 40 points in the first period and 44 in the second.
Cal State-Northridge Matadors' Larry Hughes II Scores 27 Points in Upset Victory
The game unfolded with the Matadors dominating from the start, taking a 40-28 lead into halftime. The Rainbow Warriors attempted to mount a comeback, but the Matadors' consistent scoring and strong defense limited them to just 32 points in the second period. A key factor in the Matadors' success was their ability to contain the Rainbow Warriors' top scorers, holding them to just 37.5% shooting from the field. The Matadors, on the other hand, shot 51.9% from the field, including 42.9% from three-point range, with Josiah Davis contributing 20 points and 5 assists. The Rainbow Warriors' Isaac Finlinson led his team with 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Matadors' impressive performance.
Larry Hughes II was the standout performer for the Cal State-Northridge Matadors, scoring 27 points to lead all players. Josiah Davis added 20 points and 5 assists, while Jai Chisolm contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds. For the Hawaii, Manoa Rainbow Warriors, Isaac Finlinson scored 13 points, followed by Isaac Johnson with 9 points and 5 rebounds, and Harry Rouhliadeff with 7 points and 7 rebounds. The Matadors' top performers played a crucial role in securing the 24-point victory, outscoring the Rainbow Warriors' top performers by a significant margin.
CHD Scout Report Card
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The Cal State-Northridge Matadors outshot the Hawaii, Manoa Rainbow Warriors 51.9% to 37.5% from the field, and 42.9% to 25% from three-point range. The Matadors also outrebounded the Rainbow Warriors 35-30, with Jai Chisolm and Josiah Davis combining for 10 rebounds. The Matadors' 84 points were the most they've scored in a game this season, and their 24-point margin of victory was their largest of the year. The Rainbow Warriors, on the other hand, committed 15 turnovers, which the Matadors converted into 20 points.
The CHD Scout prediction model incorrectly predicted a Hawai'i victory by 4.6 points, with a predicted score of 75-80. However, the actual result was a 24-point victory for the Cal State-Northridge Matadors, defying the model's expectations. This significant upset highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the importance of considering multiple factors when making predictions. The model's incorrect prediction was likely due to its reliance on the teams' NET rankings, which didn't account for the Matadors' strong performance on the day.
This upset victory was a Quadrant 3 win for the Cal State-Northridge Matadors, while it was a Quadrant 3 loss for the Hawaii, Manoa Rainbow Warriors. The Matadors' NET ranking is likely to improve significantly, potentially moving them up 20-30 spots. The Rainbow Warriors, on the other hand, may see their NET ranking drop 5-10 spots. This game will have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, with the Matadors bolstering their case for a potential at-large bid and the Rainbow Warriors facing a setback in their pursuit of a conference championship.
The Cal State-Northridge Matadors want to build on their momentum when they face their next opponent, while the Hawaii, Manoa Rainbow Warriors will aim to bounce back from this tough loss. The Matadors' next game is scheduled for February 17th, and they will face a tough test against a conference opponent. The Rainbow Warriors will also face a conference opponent on February 17th, and they must regroup and refocus to get back on track.